04.11.2025 / English
Bundesliga Dream: Visit from India
In 2022, the German Football League (DFL) launched the "Bundesliga Dream" initiative. This initiative supports local football institutions in Asia in developing and promoting youth football. As part of the "Bundesliga Dream India" project, 16 players from an Indian U15 team recently visited SV Darmstadt 98. During their visit, the young footballers participated in training sessions at the Lilies' youth academy, received a stadium tour, attended SV 98's home match against Arminia Bielefeld, and played in a friendly match. We take a look back at these eventful days.
As early as April 2025, a delegation including long-time Lilien professional Sandro Sirigu and world champion Roman Weidenfeller traveled to India to observe the Indian talents during a scouting training session and ultimately select the teams for the visit to Germany.
Meet & Greet with Fabian Nürnberger
This visit has now become a reality. On Friday morning (October 31st), the 16 talented youngsters landed in Frankfurt with their coach, Abdul Hafiz Basha, and embarked on a full day’s program. In the morning, the youngsters completed their first training session at the SV Darmstadt 98 youth academy before heading to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor in the afternoon.
The program also included a meet and greet with Fabian Nürnberger, who spent 45 minutes answering questions, offering advice, posing for photos, and signing autographs. One topic that concerned the Indian players was: „How can I make the leap to European football?“ Nürnberger replied: „I know that this path is very long and sometimes even seems impossible. But if you have a dream and firmly believe in your chances, then you should do everything you can to achieve that dream. In today’s football, great talents don’t stay hidden. Work hard, always do a little more than the others, and try to improve a little bit every day. Then anything is possible.“
… A stadium tour and a meeting with Lilien managing director Martin Kowalewski rounded off the day.
With this initiative, the DFL has created a unique opportunity to give Asian talents a glimpse into the workings of a professional club. The enthusiasm of our Indian guests was palpable in the discussions and especially during the training sessions and their visit to our first team's match. It was a very successful exchange and yet another powerful demonstration of how football brings people together and unites them worldwide.
Visit to Bölle
On Saturday (November 1st), the boys completed another training session at the youth academy and watched the SV 98 U14 match against FSV Frankfurt’s U15 team. The highlight of the day was attending the evening match between Darmstadt 98 and Arminia Bielefeld.
On Sunday (November 2nd), the Indian national team was in action themselves. In the morning, the visitors from the world’s most populous country faced the youth team of DJK SSG Darmstadt in a friendly match. The final score was a decisive 8-0 victory for the Indian U15 team, which was coached by Basha and academy coach Bogdan Ficut.
The match marked the sporting conclusion of the visit. The Indian team spent the afternoon sightseeing in Darmstadt before beginning their journey home on Monday (November 3rd).
Coach Basha: „Our visit to Darmstadt as part of the Bundesliga Dream India project was an incredibly educational experience. The first-class facilities, the professional coaching, and the structured approach to player development were truly inspiring. We greatly appreciate Darmstadt’s hospitality and the opportunity to experience their professional and holistic football culture – valuable lessons that we will take back to India.“
Mano Nhouvannasak, Head of Strategic Projects Asia Pacific Bundesliga International GmbH, who accompanied and coordinated the entire visit, also drew a very positive overall conclusion: „Bundesliga Dream is more than just a football project – it builds a bridge between cultures, driven by a shared passion for football. Our goal is to open up real development opportunities for young talents and coaches and to introduce them to the Bundesliga philosophy both on and off the pitch. India is one of the most exciting emerging football markets in the world – full of passion, energy, and potential. With Bundesliga Dream, we want to work with our clubs to promote the country’s football development from the grassroots level and share our values, expertise, and experience to inspire the next generation of Indian players and fans. From the DFL’s perspective, the project demonstrates how football can connect people, promote learning, and create long-term opportunities for growth and exchange across borders. We would also like to sincerely thank SV Darmstadt 98 for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting this edition of the project.“
Bundesliga Dream is more than just a football project – it builds a bridge between cultures, supported by a shared passion for football.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.
Analysis of the home victory: The resistance fighters from Bölle
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor GOAL bonus
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
„We held onto the belief in victory until the very end.“
In an intense 90 minutes between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the Lilies fought back to secure three points shortly before the final whistle. The early lead taken by the team from southern Hesse was quickly erased by the Rhinelanders. The match became increasingly wild and physical. The second half remained evenly contested, but in the end, SV 98 once again demonstrated their fighting spirit: Matej Maglica's late header sealed the three points. What do the players and the two head coaches have to say about this thrilling encounter? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.
Home win! Impressive winning streak continues at Bölle
SV Darmstadt 98 remain a force to be reckoned with at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! The Lilies defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 (1-1) on matchday 23. It's their sixth consecutive home win, bringing their total to 45 points. Hornby opened the scoring for the home side after just seven minutes, before Maglica (88th minute) netted the decisive goal in the second half.
Team News: Hornby and Lidberg Start
Darmstadt host Fortuna Düsseldorf! Florian Kohfeldt has made four changes to his starting lineup. Fraser Hornby (returning from illness) and Isac Lidberg (recovering from a thigh injury) return to the starting eleven, replacing Luca Marseiler and Merveille Papela. Niklas Schmidt starts in place of Hiroki Akiyama, and Fabian Holland replaces Fabian Nürnberger, who is unavailable due to a minor thigh injury.
