From the football pitch to social institutions in Darmstadt and the surrounding area. The professionals of SV Darmstadt 98 created some very special moments for young and old alike with their visits during the pre-Christmas season. We also report on two topics from the Lilies‘ youth academy and offer a few tips if you’re still looking for the perfect blue-and-white Christmas gifts. You can read these and other news items in our weekly column „Lilies Across the Board.“
In the days leading up to Christmas, the professionals of SV Darmstadt 98 left their football routine behind and visited various social institutions in and around Darmstadt. The focus wasn’t on sport, but on community. Whether at the Nieder-Ramstadt Diakonie, the Z 14 residential and overnight care home, the „DA-HEIM“ therapeutic group home, the Bärenfamilie (Bear Family) children’s home, or the Darmstadt Children’s Hospital: everywhere the Lilies players took time for meaningful encounters. There was laughter, conversation, games, baking, and, of course, posing for photos and autographs. The joy was especially great over small tokens of appreciation: tickets to the Merck Christmas carol concert, as well as gifts and fan merchandise, brought smiles to the faces of young and old alike. The visits made it clear that, especially during Advent, it is often the small gestures that make a big difference – and that true connection extends far beyond football.
Christmas is just around the corner and you’re still looking for the perfect gift? No problem – we have the best gift ideas for you! Whether for family or friends: with our suggestions, you’re guaranteed to make the right choice. Our gift ideas are not only practical, but also show genuine affection and support. Perfect for anyone looking for something special or wanting to bring a touch of blue and white joy to their loved ones.
The Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor in Darmstadt will once again be filled with festive cheer during Advent: On December 22, 2025, the Lilies (SV Darmstadt 98) invite everyone to the grand Darmstadt Christmas Caroling event presented by Merck. Doors open at 4:30pm, and the atmospheric stage program begins at 6:00pm. The event promises a musical and reflective evening for the whole family. Christian Carra from „Strandakustik“ will guide the audience through the evening with a Christmas story. The live band „The Silverballs“ will provide the musical entertainment, the gospel choir „goGospel“ from Traisa will bring a festive atmosphere to the stadium with their songs, and Woody Feldmann will return as a special guest.
Good news from the Darmstadt 98 youth academy. The collaboration with the academy’s partner schools is progressing. For the first time, the Ministry of Education is actively involved in the structure to further strengthen Darmstadt’s role as a hub for school and competitive sports. Björn Kopper, head of the SV Darmstadt 98 youth academy, explained this in an interview with sv98.de. While the Georg-Büchner-School has primarily served as the central partner school in recent years, the concept is now being expanded to include other schools.
The process is still under development and naturally requires time. The youth academy hopes for significant improvements, particularly regarding the scheduling, according to Kopper. The goal is to enable more players to participate in morning training sessions in the future, thereby creating a more professional and performance-oriented environment.
Twice a season – once in the first half and once in the second – a large training event for coaches from Darmstadt and the surrounding region takes place, organised by the Lilies‘ youth academy. Participants now even travel from more distant clubs, so the format reaches around one hundred coaches per session and enjoys great popularity. Another training course will be held next spring in the familiar setting of the main stand at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
In addition, the youth academy relies on smaller, decentralised measures: Training courses on various training-related topics, such as athleticism and age-appropriate workload management, are offered at partner clubs. Furthermore, interested coaches have the opportunity to observe training sessions at the youth academy at any time. Depending on availability, insights into the work of different age groups can be provided. Since the number of requests is high and the workload varies depending on the season, not every request can be fulfilled immediately – nevertheless, the youth academy strives to make this access possible for as many coaches as possible.
In the Virtual Bundesliga, SV Darmstadt 98 faced the eFootball teams from Bielefeld and Paderborn on Tuesday evening (December 16th). Despite great effort and some good plays, it unfortunately wasn’t enough for a win. The match against Arminia Bielefeld ended in a 6-10 defeat on aggregate. Against Paderborn, the eLilies again showed their fighting spirit on the virtual pitch, but couldn’t find the rewards. In the end, small details decided the outcome of the match, resulting in a narrow 5-6 loss for SV Darmstadt 98. After these two games, SV Darmstadt 98 currently sits in 20th place in the overall standings.
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:
