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Everybody is a winner playing for Frank Vertullo.
The Queens College men’s soccer coach is making a difference in Deer Park by rolling out a unified soccer program for students with special needs, inspired by leagues his autistic son, Michael, played in.
“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.”
Varsity players at Deer Park now spend Sunday mornings helping coach and run intramural games with unified athletes from the middle school and high school, which has touched Vertullo.
“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 plans to expand the new program to K-12 by next year, then broaden it to include other districts in Suffolk County for a season-finale festival and tournament.
The long-term goal is to have it sanctioned by Section XI one day.
He’s already scored a huge goal by making these kids feel like all-stars, and their parents are elated to see it week in and week out.
“They’re always so grateful and thankful,” Vertullo said.