Transfer News: Duijvestijn Strengthens the Attack
Creativity and a goal-scoring threat for SV 98's attacking midfield: The Lilies have signed Lance Duijvestijn. The 27-year-old Dutchman is moving from Sparta Rotterdam to southern Hesse.
06.05.2024 / English
HFV integrates top talent team into Hessenliga
SV Darmstadt 98 will compete in the Hessenliga with its own team at the start of the 2024/25 season. The Hessian Football Association (HFV) announced this on Monday (May 6th). The application, submitted in February, was approved by the association's committee for game operations and football development, chaired by Robert Neubauer.
Uwe Kuhl, appointed presidential representative for the youth training center: „We welcome the HFV’s decision and are pleased that our developed concept has met with approval. With the decision now in place, we can specify the plans for our top talent team.“
The aim of the Hessenliga team is to give youth players even earlier playing time in the men’s area and thus make the transition to the professionals easier. The team will consist of the most talented players from the U17 and U19 divisions as well as transition players who were trained in the Lilien’s youth performance center (NLZ). A few months ago, the SV 98 had already informed about the structural adjustment in the NLZ.
„A very successful start“
On Sunday afternoon (June 28th), head coach Florian Kohfeldt gathered his squad for the first training session of the pre-season in 35-degree heat. The opening session is always a special occasion, but this year it had a unique twist: the "Lilies" did not train in their usual surroundings at the Böllenfalltor, but rather at the SV Winterkasten grounds in the Odenwald region—watched by more than 400 spectators who attended the roughly 90-minute session.
Transfer News: El Kadiri joins Darmstadt
There continues to be movement in the Lilien's attack. SV 98 has signed Ibrahim El Kadiri from the Dutch club De Graafschap Doetinchem.
Transfer News: Kehl becomes the Lilies‘ next new signing.
SV 98 can announce another new signing ahead of the start of training on Sunday (June 28). Lars Kehl is joining the "Lilies" from VfL Osnabrück on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.
The Lilies kick off their 2026 summer pre-season.
It was an early start on Thursday morning (June 25th) as SV Darmstadt 98 kicked off their 2026 summer pre-season. The goalkeepers were expected at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor just before 7am, with many other players following shortly thereafter. Yet, despite the early hour, a cheerful Marcel Schuhen jogged from the car park to the team building, flashing a broad grin as he held up an "eight" for the camera. "Today marks the eighth time in a row that I’m starting summer pre-season with the Lilies," smiled the SV 98 captain; under contract at the "Bölle" since 2019, he is the longest-serving player in the current squad.
Transfer News: Lührs joins the Lilies
Reinforcement for the SV 98 defence: The Lilies have signed Yannik Lührs. The 22-year-old defender joins the club at the Böllenfalltor from TSG Hoffenheim II.
Training begins in the Odenwald | „This feeling“
The summer break is drawing to a close, and this coming Sunday (June 28th), the Darmstadt professionals will be back on the training pitch for the first time, officially starting their preparations for the 2026/27 second division season. And they'll be doing so in the Odenwald region. Furthermore, the club has welcomed another new signing, Nicolas Verkooijen. You can find these and other topics in our weekly edition, "Lilies Across the Board."
Organisational information for the „Lionel Richie Tribute Night“ with Jimmie Wilson
At the "Lionel Richie Tribute Night" on June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening, doors open at 8:30 p.m.), Jimmie Wilson will bring the greatest hits of the American soul singer live to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This concert evening, presented by SV Darmstadt 98 Stadion GmbH, promises a special atmosphere – whether you want to sing along, dance, or simply enjoy the music. Here you will find all the important organisational information.
Transfer News: Verkooijen Signs for Lilies
SV 98 have secured the services of highly sought-after Nicolas Verkooijen. The Belgian U21 international joins the club in southern Hesse on a free transfer after his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expired at the end of the season.
Young Lilies participate in the „Bundesliga Talent Series“
The "Bundesliga Talent Series" will launch in the 2026/27 season as an additional U21 competition to promote young talent in German professional football. SV 98 is one of 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga that have committed to participating.
Transfer News: Lilies Loan Out Arnold
Tim Arnold will play in the Regionalliga West next season. SV 98 is loaning the 19-year-old to Sportfreunde Siegen. The fourth-division club also has an option to sign him permanently.
Heinerfest game show: SV 98 is looking for four teams
Want to take your team to the Heinerfest stage? Then apply now! SV Darmstadt 98 is looking for four teams to be part of the Lilies' Heinerfest game show and compete against former Lilie player Michael Stegmayer. The show takes place on Saturday, July 4th, from 4pm to 6pm. Amateur teams, groups of friends, families, fan clubs, and club groups are all welcome to participate.