04.11.2024 / English
A night for more humanity
Around 1,264 people currently live in Darmstadt without a permanent address. Although this number has decreased compared to last year, it remains alarmingly high. In order to draw attention to the challenges of homelessness, SV Darmstadt 98 held an open-air overnight stay in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor for the second time.
Life on the streets is particularly difficult during the cold season, especially at night. In order to bring people with a roof over their heads closer to the difficult living conditions of homeless people, SV Darmstadt 98 organised this special overnight stay campaign. This year, 50 fans and interested parties took part – an increase of 20 percent compared to the campaign’s premiere last year.
For loyal Lily fan Henri, taking part was a given. Three reasons in particular motivated him to protest again that evening: “You become aware again of what you often forget in everyday life, namely that there are people who are not doing so well.” It is also a real adventure, one night to spend in beautiful Bölle. But the most important thing is: you support a good cause. And of course I like to do that.”
Participants were able to register for a donation and received exciting insights and lectures at the event to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness. This year the donation will go to the MuKis facility, an accommodation for women and children. The event began with a welcome by Vice President Volker Harr, followed by a press conference by Darmstadt Mayor Barbara Akdeniz. Led by press spokesman Frank Hornef, Barbara Akdeniz, Birgit Koss, head of social administration, Sebastian Hofbauer from Horizont e.V. and Nicole Frölich from the regional Diakonie were also on the podium.
Prof. Dr. Christian Kolbe and David Lorenz from the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences gave special impressions of life on the street. An emotional highlight of the evening was the moving report of the former homeless man Patrick. Philip Höfer then introduced the street football club benefit e.V., which is committed to helping homeless people. Before the participants spent the night in the open air, the Lilienschänke provided a warming potato soup and a cozy atmosphere in the stadium lounge.
“These are completely normal people”
“Most homeless people are not dangerous. There’s no need to be afraid. They are normal people. You can just go there, talk to them and ask if they are hungry,” Patrick, who lived on the street for almost five years, explained to the listeners. He reported how often he had to endure contemptuous looks and insults without people really knowing him. Thanks to the help of Petra Bier, who volunteers and puts her heart and soul into helping the homeless, he managed to leave the streets behind him. Now he is in therapy and hopes to soon be able to lead a “normal” life – with an apartment, a job and maybe a girlfriend. „It doesn’t have to be perfect,“ says Patrick, „but a somewhat normal life.“
Mayor Akdeniz also appealed to the population: “We have a housing security office in Darmstadt. Anyone at risk of homelessness should contact them in good time. There are many options for help before homelessness occurs. Especially now, in the cold season, it is important to look and not look away.”
“I hope that each of us takes away something to keep the issue of homelessness in mind, to help and not to judge too quickly, but to say: I want to be a part of the support.”
Season tickets for the 2026/27 season: All information is available here!
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.