SWQ Thunder winning the mental game

South West Queensland Thunder work hard to improve their game on and off the field.

ON TARGET: USQ FC goalkeeper Matt Eilers saves a shot from South West Queensland Thunder Daniel Weber during their FFA Cup clash at Clive Berghofer Stadium. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: A more cerebral approach to football off the field is helping the South West Queensland Thunder win on the field.

Recently members of the senior playing squad took part in a number of psychology sessions designed to help them deal with the demands of elite level football.

And the results are already evident with the Thunder producing stronger performances in recent weeks and two wins in their past two games.

Assistant men's team manager Kris Hemmerling said the NPL club introduced the sessions to equip their players with essential life skills.

"We've got a very young squad,” Hemmerling said.

"Many of them were playing under-18s last season and have made the jump past U20s and straight into the top side.

"That's a big jump in quality of competition for all of them and some of them were fully aware just how sharp that rise in quality would be.

"We introduced the sessions to help them goal set, focus and build confidence - to give them some life skills than can apply to football as well.

"They all responded remarkably well and we're seeing the results in our performances.”

Young Thunder striker Daniel Weber is one of many players to have benefited from the sessions.

"There's two sides to playing football,” Weber said. "The mental side and the physical. And you have to be good at both.

"If you're not up to it mentally you won't be right physically.

"The psychology sessions were really good - I enjoyed them a lot. They've helped with my focus and the whole team is lot more positive and things were very positive to begin with.”

Weber, who has been used regularly as an impact sub for the Thunder, said he was enjoying the challenges of NPL life.

"I'm really happy right now,” Weber said. "My confidence is pretty good and I'm enjoying my role in the side.

"There's pressure but I'm love the challenge of playing in the NPL and keeping my spot in the side.

"Training and playing with guys like Chris (Hatfield), Travis (Cooper) and Anthony (Grant) is great, they're all very friendly, great players and always offering advice.”

Originally published as SWQ Thunder winning the mental game