Strengthening vocational training and further education in southern Hesse: To this end, the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) and SV Darmstadt 98 have entered into a cooperation agreement. IHK Managing Director Robert Lippmann and Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director for Marketing and Sales at SV Darmstadt 98, signed the corresponding cooperation agreement at the Böllenfalltor stadium.
“Vocational training is one of the most important success factors in our region,” says Robert Lippmann, CEO of the Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). “With SV Darmstadt 98, we have a partner that reaches and inspires many people. Together, we want to make the importance of vocational training and continuing education even more visible.”
Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director of Marketing & Sales at SV 98, adds: “We see ourselves not only as a sports club, but also as part of our social responsibility in the region. Together with the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, we want to use our reach to show young people career prospects and inspire them to pursue professional opportunities in southern Hesse.”
Plans include joint social media posts and posters focusing on vocational training and continuing education. „Footballers are important role models for many young people,“ says Robert Lippmann, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). „When they promote vocational training and continuing education, it can have a significant impact – especially on young people who are difficult to reach through traditional career guidance methods.“
Joint events are also being planned: The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce will, for example, support the „Chancen+“ study and training fair organised by SV Darmstadt 98 and the Haftpflichtkasse insurance company with its expertise and participate as an exhibitor. Furthermore, the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce intends to support the athletes and staff of the club in their professional development, including through career counselling on vocational training and continuing education. IHK training advisors and apprentices, who will act as „training ambassadors“ to share their career paths, will support the club’s youth members in their career orientation.
“Continuing education and career prospects also play an important role in our organization,” said Martin Kowalewski. “The cooperation with the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Darmstadt) allows us to provide our employees with even more targeted support for their personal development and, at the same time, to provide important impetus for securing skilled workers in the region.”
“Together, we want to contribute to promoting education and career prospects, as well as securing skilled workers in southern Hesse,” summarised Robert Lippmann, CEO of the IHK Darmstadt. “We look forward to bringing this cooperation to life in the coming weeks and months.”
The Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) represents the collective interests of 65,000 member companies from southern Hesse to policymakers and the public. It connects key stakeholders, provides impetus, and actively shapes the region’s economic landscape. The IHK district encompasses the independent city of Darmstadt and the four rural districts of Bergstraße, Darmstadt-Dieburg, Groß-Gerau, and Odenwald. Through education, consulting, and a wide range of services, the IHK strengthens the competitiveness of its members and empowers individuals to lead self-determined professional lives. The IHK upholds the principle of economic self-governance, promotes fair competition, advocates for honest and trustworthy conduct in business, and assumes social responsibility. The IHK General Assembly, comprised of 72 elected business leaders who serve on a voluntary basis, decides on policy positions and the budget. The IHK employs approximately 150 people on a full-time basis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.