17.03.2026 / English
A complete success: 5th tree planting campaign by SV 98 and Krombacher
Working together for nature conservation: For the fifth time, SV Darmstadt 98 and premium partner Krombacher organized a reforestation campaign as part of the "Under the Sign of the Lily" initiative. Last Sunday (March 15), around 60 Darmstadt fans traveled by bus from Darmstadt to participate in the planting project in a wooded area in the municipality of Kleinwallstadt, in the district of Hausen. Supported by Darmstadt professional Grayson Dettoni, the volunteers planted approximately 3,500 young trees. Local experts provided the necessary equipment, while the Krombacher Brewery catered for the participants.
A small group of hunting horn players opened the event. After all participants had gathered, Forestry Director Jost Arnold and his team gave a brief introduction – Jonas Baum from Krombacher also welcomed the Darmstadt fans. Then it was time to get to work: Divided into two groups, the volunteers planted around 3,500 seedlings, including silver firs and red oaks, making an important contribution to the sustainable reforestation of local forests. Grayson Dettoni was also among the participants and actively helped with the planting.
After the work was done, the participants enjoyed refreshments and delicious food provided by the Krombacher Brewery. Many also took advantage of the well-deserved break to get an autograph from Dettoni, take a photo together, or simply chat with the Lilies‘ winter signing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Before finally heading home, each volunteer received a wool jacket from SV Darmstadt 98 as a small token of appreciation for their outstanding efforts.
Together for nature conservation
The tree planting campaign is part of the „We Lilies – Together for Nature Conservation“ project. Since the start of their partnership, the Krombacher Brewery and SV Darmstadt 98 have organized various events, including these regular tree planting campaigns. This fifth planting campaign demonstrates the continuous commitment of SV Darmstadt 98 and its partner Krombacher to nature conservation. With this year’s plantings, the total number of saplings planted has grown to approximately 18,500. Everyone involved is already looking forward to the next campaign in 2027.
Patricia Heuwerth, Partner Management & CSR at SV 98: “This project is very important to us at SV Darmstadt 98. We are all the more delighted to see the enthusiasm with which the Lilies fans participate in such large numbers. Together with our premium partner Krombacher, we can make a valuable contribution to nature in our region. A big thank you also goes to the team on site for their support.”
Jonas Baum, Sponsorship Manager at Krombacher: “As part of our partnership with SV98, we are actively involved together under the banner of the Lilies and want to implement measures that have an impact beyond match day. The tree planting campaign is a good example of this: It connects fans, the club, and us as a partner in a very concrete way on site and at the same time makes a direct contribution to nature conservation. With many motivated Lilies fans, we bring this commitment to life year after year – and we will continue on this path in the future.”
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.