Queens College soccer coach launches unified program for special needs students

Frank Vertullo, the men's soccer coach at Queens College, has launched a unified soccer program for students with special needs in Deer Park, the New York Post reported. Vertullo, who also teaches life skills to special needs students within the district, was inspired to create the initiative by leagues his autistic son, Michael, previously played in. [1]

Under the new initiative, varsity players in Deer Park gather on Sunday mornings to assist in coaching and running intramural games for unified athletes from local middle and high schools, according to the New York Post. Vertullo said the reaction from the participating students has been positive and exciting. [1]

Queens College is a public institution located on an 83-acre campus in Flushing in the New York City borough of Queens, and it is part of the City University of New York system. [4]