With Frank Vertullo on the field, everyone gets a chance to feel like a winner.
The Queens College men’s soccer coach is bringing that feeling to Deer Park, where he has launched a unified soccer program for students with special needs. The idea was inspired by leagues played by his autistic son, Michael.
“I said, ‘You know what, with my soccer background, let’s start it here,’” Vertullo, who teaches life skills to special needs students in the district, 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.”
Each Sunday morning, Deer Park varsity soccer players volunteer as coaches and help organize intramural games for unified athletes from the middle and high schools. Their involvement has made the program especially meaningful for Vertullo.
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“They’re wonderful with the kids,” he said. “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 hopes to expand the unified soccer program across Deer Park’s K-12 schools next year. He then wants to invite other Suffolk County districts to take part in a season-ending festival and tournament.
His ultimate ambition is to see the program sanctioned by Section XI.
For now, Vertullo has already achieved a major victory: helping these young athletes feel like all-stars while giving their parents a reason to celebrate every week.
“They’re always so grateful and thankful,” Vertullo said.
