Football season is in the thick of things and more exciting than previously predicted. Teams such as PHC, St. George’s and St. David’s have shown a tremendous amount of character when things were looking bleak.As we enter into the Christmas holidays it is surprising to witness a team who normally have things their own way, North Village, to be struggling at this stage.They will have to pull out all that they have and show the character of a champion if they are to bounce back from three consecutive defeats on their quest to win the Friendship Trophy.PHC have been the biggest surprise of the season thus far. At the beginning of the season, they were thumped by six goals not once, but twice, causing many football fans to consider them as favourites along with St. David’s to take the drop back to First Division.Obviously they were only struggling to find their form and have gone on to gain 21 points from a possible 27 in the first half of the season.In addition, they are currently the league leaders on goal difference mostly due to a red-hot Antwan Russell who is having a breakout season. The hard work of the team along with the unstoppable Russell has resulted in PHC turning their season around, showing true characteristics of a championship team.St. George’s are a team that so far has been unpredictable. After hammering Southampton Rangers and then Boulevard early in the season, they looked to be on par with the big boys to compete for at least a top four finish.However, a string of defeats depleted the confidence of the team, but not the coach. As the team went through some trying times, Richard Todd stuck to his game plan and tactics and is now starting to reap the rewards.The negativity surrounding their slump had fans up in arms but the team has persevered and continued to work hard, hence the outcome last Sunday when they defeated last year’s league winners, North Village. It was a great win for them to keep out of the relegation zone, thus showing true character.Similarly, St. David’s have had to battle all year and prove that they belong in the top flight. Having had coaching issues at the beginning of the season the writing was on the wall for them to be the whipping boys of the top flight but under Kameron Fox’s leadership they have come together and been tough opponents for all.They managed a win and a draw recently which has given them a bit of life and hope and with the loyalty of their fans who know what is yet to come. Avoiding relegation may be a direct result of their fan base who are probably the most vocal group on the Island.As for last year’s champions, North Village, I can only recall them being in a similar position once.That year at Christmas they were at the bottom of the table staring relegation in the face, a place they had never been before. With club support of ex-players and fans they obviously bounced back, so I certainly wouldn’t count them out in turning things around.I wonder if their recent slump has given all teams more confidence against them. The fear factor seems to have worn off and most feel that they are beatable.Have the tables turned and North Village are the ones lacking confidence or even commitment?One thing is for certain to win the league North Village will have to go the remainder of the season undefeated. They have the talent but in a time when they are breeding youth into their team winning may not come by so easy.Predictions for the holiday season, if form has anything to do with it, one must back Dandy Town or PHC to win the Friendship Trophy.North Village’s character will be heavily tested when they meet PHC this Sunday at Southampton Rangers. This is a field that has not favoured them in the past due to its lack of playing space and on top of that they have to deal with the prolific goal scorer, Antwan Russell.The only thing that may work in Village’s favour is that some clubs like Dandy Town and PHC may opt to rest a few players as we have seen several top teams do in the past as they feel the league is far more important.I do not think that Village have that cutting edge on teams anymore but I challenge them to prove me wrong.The Friendship Trophy could also see a surprise winner this year as teams like Somerset, Robin Hood, Rangers and St. George’s are all very tough to beat on their day. With this competition being short it takes only two games to be in a final. Anything is possible in football and I am sure these teams will be seeking to upset the apple carts.Who will be this year’s winner?Anyone can do well when things are going well for them but it is during the trying times that you see what a team is really made of.“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Helen Keller