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.
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: