A few Edmonton Eskimos players are spending their bye-week in Fort McMurray.

Members of the squad visited patients at the hospital, spent time with students, and practiced with local football teams over the past couple of days.

This is Long Snapper Ryan King’s third visit to Fort McMurray, including playing in the Northern Kickoff.

He tells Mix News the community support for the team has been above and beyond.

“You know we just see all the fans, all the community coming together, all the kids coming out, it’s great to come out here and give back.”

Also making the trip up is Almondo Sewell, Calvin McCarty, and Blair Smith.

The four also held a joint practice with the Peewee Knights and the Fort McMurray Saints where they held multiple drills while also getting a chance to speak with the local players.

King gives credit to all the local coaches developing high-level athletes.

“Coaches in these small communities are putting their time in and coaching these kids up to get them either out of their small communities into big colleges, and you see that and you’re seeing more and more of that. Football is growing in these small communities and it’s good to see that for the game of football.”

The Eskimos return to the field September 20 when they host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

We partnered with @SyncrudeCanada during the bye week to go spread some up in Fort McMurray! pic.twitter.com/SeUiz6Sjdh

– Edmonton Eskimos (@EdmontonEsks) September 9, 2019