Young Bradford (Park Avenue) goalkeeper Liam Hall has left the club to join League Two side Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The stopper has been a valuable understudy at Horsfall, and has deputised for former Bantams prospect George Sykes-Kenworthy when required.

Avenue will receive funds from the sale, so it remains to be seen how they are invested.

The club teased the departure of Hall on social media, in a video highlighting other talents who had gone on to clubs in higher divisions.

Some fans took issue with that, that kind of montage typically associated with a new signing, but director Paul Armitage and director of football Martin Knight defended the post, saying it highlights the success of Avenue's academy and raising of funds, as well as being part of their business model, to help young prospects hit greater heights.

Hall joined Avenue’s academy from rivals Guiseley in 2020.

He went on to play in the Under-19s Alliance League alongside other academy graduates in Zak Kersey, Mason Brewis and Myles La Bastide.

Last season, the Alliance team took it all the way to the final day, but were just pipped into finishing third, four points behind Wrexham’s Under-19s side, who finished as champions.

Hall had his first taste of first team football in the 2021/22 season, playing against Campion AFC in the West Riding County Cup, and later that season went on to agree non-contract terms with the club whilst still developing in the Academy under club goalkeeper coach Danny King.

He spent the rest of the 21/22 season training alongside Sykes-Kenworthy, and gained his first experience in National League North when he came on during the final day of the season match, against Southport.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Liam Hall (left) has been in good hands under the guidance of Danny King (centre) and George Sykes-Kenworthy (right).Liam Hall (left) has been in good hands under the guidance of Danny King (centre) and George Sykes-Kenworthy (right). (Image: @BPAFCOfficial.)

Last term, Hall briefly joined Ossett United, covering for the unavailable Ed Hall on a dual registration basis in November 2022.

Hall continued to impress the Avenue coaches, and played a County Cup game alongside other academy scholars and members of the first team against Brighouse Town.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Avenue going on to lose out on penalties 4-1.

In December 2022, Hall signed his first professional contract with the club, an 18-month deal, which also made him the first academy player to sign a professional deal since academy technical director Thomas McStravick took over.

More recently, Hall appeared in Avenue’s 2023/24 pre-season campaign, playing against Thackley, Chorley and Blackpool.