Soccer Coach Fosters Inclusion for Special Needs Students
Queens College coach Frank Vertullo launches a unified soccer program in Deer Park, inspired by his son's experience.
Frank Vertullo, the men's soccer coach at Queens College, is bringing the sport to students with special needs in Deer Park through a new unified soccer program. Vertullo, who also teaches life skills to special needs students in the district, was inspired to start the program by the leagues his autistic son, Michael, participated in.
"I said, ‘You know what, with my soccer background, let’s start it here,’" Vertullo told The Post. "They get so excited, they see me in school, and they’re like, ‘Hi, coach! I’m so happy.’ It’s really, really awesome."
Varsity athletes from Deer Park High School now dedicate their Sunday mornings to coaching and running intramural games for the unified athletes, who are middle and high school students. Vertullo highlighted the positive impact this has on the varsity players, stating, “It really means a lot because it takes a special person to help kids with special needs. It teaches them humility and patience, and it’s really nice that they’re giving back as well.”
Vertullo has plans to expand the program to encompass all K-12 students in Deer Park by next year. His long-term vision includes broadening the initiative to include other school districts in Suffolk County, culminating in a season-finale festival and tournament. Ultimately, he hopes the program will one day be sanctioned by Section XI, the governing body for high school athletics in Suffolk County.
The initiative has already been met with enthusiasm from parents, who are grateful to see their children engaged and feeling like stars. "They’re always so grateful and thankful," Vertullo said.
