Wide Receiver University Trains Surrey Football Talent

Ellie JonesOctober 9, 20251 Mins read26

Rashaun Simonise in action during his professional football career before founding Wide Receiver University in Surrey.

Before founding Wide Receiver University in Surrey, Rashaun Simonise played professionally in both the NFL and CFL, using his experience to train the next generation of athletes.

Pro experience meets youth development

Surrey-born Rashaun Simonise, a former NFL and CFL wide receiver and current UBC Thunderbirds receivers coach, has launched Wide Receiver University (WRU) to train young football players. Simonise runs group camps at Cloverdale Athletic Park and satellite sessions in Richmond, Langley, and Delta, along with one-on-one coaching across the Lower Mainland.

What WRU teaches

WRU focuses on wide receivers and defensive backs, with supplemental work for quarterbacks. Drawing on Simonise’s track and field background, the curriculum blends:

Speed development and acceleration mechanics

Route running, releases, and catch technique

Defensive back footwork, transitions, and press/man concepts

Film study and competition habits suited to university programs

Why it matters: earlier skills, better outcomes

Addressing the “late start” problem

Simonise says many B.C. athletes only get serious at 16–17, making scholarship paths harder. WRU targets ages 9–17, encouraging flag or community football early, then layering technical work from age 11+ so the jump to college is smoother.

Mentorship and recruiting insight

Coaching at UBC gives Simonise a view of what university staffs look for—from measurables to practice habits. WRU integrates those demands to help prospects prepare for showcases, camps, and film that meet coach expectations.

How the program began and where it’s headed

From one athlete to a training school

The idea for WRU started when Simonise trained his younger brother for a college push. Friends joined, results followed, and the program scaled into formal camps and small groups. He plans to keep football as the core while exploring multi-sport speed training as demand grows.

Beyond the field: mindset coaching

Simonise is also the author of “Winning Mindset for Athletes” (Jan 2025), a guide to confidence, focus, and performing under pressure—used alongside WRU sessions to build mental resilience.