It's helped him stay mentally primed for a new A-League adventure with the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Thurgate became a free agent in September after the financially embattled Western United were placed into "hibernation" by the Australian Professional Leagues.
The United 2024/2025 player of the season had to wait a week until Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic called him with a job offer.
But despite the highs and lows of September, Thurgate says football was one thing that helped him keep mentally afloat.
"We used it (football) as an escape at Western, especially when we were still training there," he told AAP.
"(But) we were still training very hard, and using it as a mental refresh, going in there every day and working hard.
"It's been a very disruptive pre-season.
"Having to pack up your life and change pretty quickly was probably the hardest thing."
Thurgate said he had hoped the financial issues with the club would be resolved, but in the back of his mind he feared the worst.
And when the club was sent into "hibernation", he and another 38 players had to scramble to find new homes knowing the A-League would begin in October.
Many teams had their salary caps and rosters full, which Professional Footballers Australia said meant some players struggled to find new clubs.
A-League clubs have a "soft cap" of $2.55 million, but it will increase to a "hard" $3 million by next season.
Thurgate said every club's salary cap should rise, especially after players had endured the "hibernation".
"We've still got a group chat. We check in on everyone, because it was a tough time for some individuals who didn't find clubs as well," the midfielder said.
"But now most of the lads have found something, which is good. Obviously it's not ideal circumstances."
Thurgate is focused on the month ahead rather than the month that was, after inking a three-year deal with Western Sydney.
He will be available for selection when the Wanderers take on Melbourne City next Saturday.
"I'd love to start with a successful year personally and as a team," Thurgate said.
"Ever since I've been here, it's been great. The boys have been very welcoming, and everyone at the club has been welcoming, so it's made it a very smooth transition."
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