🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued. Club Context The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.