Ex-pro Rashaun Simonise launches Wide Receiver University in Surrey to train young athletes for college football success.
Surrey’s Own NFL Pro Is Building Football’s Future
At Cloverdale Athletic Park, something special is happening. Young athletes sprint across the turf, practicing their footwork, honing their catches, and learning the mindset it takes to play big-time football. Behind it all is Rashaun Simonise, a Surrey native and former NFL and CFL player, who’s on a mission to raise the next generation of football talent through his new training program — Wide Receiver University (WRU).
The Birth of Wide Receiver University
After wrapping up his pro football career, Simonise didn’t slow down. Instead, he turned his passion for the game into purpose. What started as training sessions with his younger brother soon grew into something much bigger.
I just wanted to get my brother ready for university,” Simonise said. “Then his friends joined in, and one turned into two, two into three — and before I knew it, I was running a full program.
That’s how Wide Receiver University was born — from a simple act of guidance that grew into a movement.
Training That Goes Beyond the Field
WRU isn’t just about running drills. It’s about building complete athletes — in skill, speed, and mindset. Simonise runs camps at Cloverdale Athletic Park and hosts sessions across Richmond, Langley, and Delta. He even offers one-on-one training across the Lower Mainland.
His specialty? Developing wide receivers and defensive backs, the game’s fastest and most agile players. Thanks to his track and field background, Simonise adds world-class speed training to the mix.
For the younger kids, it’s about having fun and getting them moving,” he said. “But as they get older, the training gets serious — I push them hard because that’s what college-level football demands.
Closing the Development Gap in B.C.
Simonise believes there’s a real gap in football development across British Columbia — one he’s determined to fill.
Too many players here start taking football seriously around 16 or 17,” he explained. “By then, it’s often too late to earn scholarships or compete with athletes who’ve been training for years.
Through WRU, he’s changing that narrative. By starting kids young — sometimes as early as nine — Simonise helps them build the foundation needed to thrive at higher levels.
My goal is to prepare them early, so when they get to university, the transition is smooth,” he said.
Building Mindset, Not Just Muscle
Simonise’s philosophy extends beyond physical training. His focus on mental preparation led him to write Winning Mindset for Athletes — a guide for players who feel “stuck or overwhelmed.” The book, like WRU, aims to inspire athletes to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
It’s about guidance, motivation, and discipline — everything I wish I had when I was younger,” Simonise said.
A Future Fueled by Passion
As WRU continues to grow, so does its impact. For many young athletes across the Lower Mainland, it’s more than a training program — it’s a gateway to their dreams.
With every sprint, catch, and rep, Simonise isn’t just teaching football. He’s shaping futures, one athlete at a time.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
