Former FA chief steps up as Bay FC coach stands down | OneFootball

FA’s former head of womens technical development Kay Cossington at St. George’s Park on June 15, 2022 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Paul Ellis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya has announced his decision to stand down at the end of the 2025 season.

The club has announced that Bay Collective’s CEO Kay Cossington – previously the FA women’s technical director, and also now head of women’s football at investment firm Sixth Street – “will now lead the sporting efforts of the club” and will spearhead the activity to appoint the new head coach.

“Right out of the gate, Bay FC has shown it belongs on the biggest stage,” Cossington was quoted as saying in a statement. “Thanks to Albertin and the sporting staff’s efforts, Bay FC has established a strong foundation on the pitch and I’m excited to help elevate the club further and put Bay FC in the best position to compete at the highest level for years to come.”

Cossington left the FA in May this year. She was part of the group who appointed Sarina Wiegman as England’s head coach, and played a key role in the Lionesses’ successes on the international stage.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said at the time that Cossington would leave “with our sincere thanks for her contribution to our winning England teams, particularly the development of the Lionesses pathway critical to the [2022] Euro success and the silver medal at the [2023] World Cup.”

Cossington had explained her decision to take up the role with Bay Collective, saying: “As women’s football has experienced rapid growth in recent years, I believe we are at a critical inflection point. Now is the time to use this momentum to set even higher standards and start building something new and lasting to take the sport to its next glass-breaking level.”

Bay FC’s season so far

Bay FC are currently ninth in the NWSL table, having won four of their 19 games this season. In 2024, they reached the quarter-finals of the play-offs, winning 11 of their 26 games and finishing on 34 points.

“I have so much love for these players, staff, and fans,” said Montoya in a statement. “We’ve built a culture and a style of play that I believe will compete for championships for years to come. I want to thank everyone at the Bay FC organisation for their support. I look forward to finishing this season strong and for this club continuing to accomplish great things.”

Montoya has coached multiple teams in the women’s game over the last two decades, working with teams including FC Gold Pride, and serving as Washington Spirit’s interim head coach in 2022. He also coached the US women’s national under-17 squad between 2011 and 2012.