Surrey’s Rashaun Simonise Launches Wide Receiver University

A new training program aimed at young football players has been established in Surrey, British Columbia. Named Wide Receiver University (WRU), the initiative focuses on enhancing the skills of aspiring athletes, according to founder Rashaun Simonise. With a background as a former professional football player in both the NFL and CFL, Simonise aims to fill a significant gap in the development opportunities available for high school players in the region.

Simonise operates training camps at Cloverdale Athletic Park and also offers individual coaching sessions across the Lower Mainland. His coaching extends to various locations, including Richmond, Langley, and Delta. As a current coach for the UBC Thunderbirds, where he oversees the receivers, Simonise emphasizes the importance of preparing young athletes for the competitive landscape of college football.

He explained that WRU caters to all types of players, but his expertise primarily lies with wide receivers and defensive backs. “That’s my specialty,” he stated. In addition to football training, Simonise incorporates elements from his track and field background, focusing on speed development and specific position skills.

Simonise’s mission is to address a notable deficiency in early football training in British Columbia. He observed that many young athletes start to take the sport seriously only around the ages of 16 or 17, which can hinder their chances of securing athletic scholarships. “By that time, it’s almost too late to try to get an athletic scholarship,” he explained. His goal is to begin the development process earlier, ideally around the age of 11, to ensure that players are adequately prepared for the demands of higher levels of competition.

He pointed out that WRU elevates an athlete’s training, making the transition from high school football to university smoother. Simonise noted that serious athletes can begin football-specific training as young as nine, although his programs for younger children focus on making the training enjoyable while still fostering skill development. “For older kids, for athletes that are serious about their training, it’s hard work. It’s really hard work,” he remarked.

The foundation of WRU was inspired by Simonise’s experience coaching his younger brother during his final year of high school. This initiative blossomed into a larger program as his brother’s friends began to join in, ultimately leading to the establishment of WRU. Simonise realized he could provide the guidance he wished he had received when transitioning from high school to college football. “It was the guidance, the knowledge, the motivation—all those things that the kids needed that I knew could take them to the next level,” he said.

In addition to launching WRU, Simonise authored a book titled “Winning Mindset for Athletes,” which aims to assist players who may feel overwhelmed in their sporting journey. Published in January 2025, the book offers strategies and mindset tools to build confidence and improve performance under pressure.

For more information about Wide Receiver University or to connect with Simonise, interested individuals can visit widereceiveruniversity.com. He is also active on social media, with an Instagram handle of @widereceiveruni, or can be reached via email at [email protected].