Foto: SV 98 17.03.2026 / English,USA
„I couldn’t be more grateful“
More than 8,600 kilometres as the crow flies separate San Antonio and Darmstadt. Landry Walker embarked on the long journey from Texas to southern Hesse on March 8th. The 16-year-old midfielder was trained at San Antonio FC, the partner club of SV Darmstadt 98, and has been immersed in the world of the Lilies (Darmstadt's nickname) over the past few days. We look back at the visit of the American U17 international.
Right at the start of his trip, Walker spent a sunny Monday afternoon (March 9th) with Tom Eilers (Managing Director of Professional Football) and Martin Kowalewski (Managing Director of Marketing & Sales), getting his first impressions of Darmstadt and the Lilies‘ youth academy. On Tuesday, the 16-year-old was welcomed at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. „Being in another country, experiencing a new culture, and seeing a different footballing location is fantastic,“ Walker told sv98.de. Upon arriving at the Bölle, he received a comprehensive stadium tour, including insights into the catacombs and VIP areas. „It’s all a bit new to me. But I can imagine how great the atmosphere here in the stadium must be; it’s a really great stadium,“ raved the youth international, who has already played for the U15 and U17 teams of the USA.
Matthias Neumann, head of the professional players department at SV 98, then showed him the club’s facilities, where Walker was also greeted by head coach Florian Kohfeldt. Afterwards, the young American footballer watched the first team train, where there was still time for a brief chat with Grayson Dettoni, who was also born in the United States. Even in his first few days, Walker was quickly won over: „It’s wonderful here. I like the city, the food is good, everything is excellent.“
During his time in the sister city of his Texas hometown, Walker also watched games of the youth teams. But he didn’t just remain an observer; he also actively participated. The central midfielder took part in training sessions with the U19 and U21 teams. „The level and technical skills that even these young players possess are fascinating to see,“ the American summarised after his first experiences with German soccer.
Young players like Walker especially benefit enormously when they can broaden their horizons in a soccer context. Tomorrow, Wednesday (March 18), the 16-year-old will begin his journey back home. „I’m so grateful to have had this experience. The trip has given me even deeper insights into the world of soccer. It’s wonderful that I was able to come here. I couldn’t be more grateful,“ Walker concluded after nearly a week and a half with the Lilies in Darmstadt.
We were very happy to have you visit, Landry. See you soon in San Antonio!
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Exclusively for club members – your jersey with your own membership number
Probably the most personalised Darmstadt 98 jersey in the club's history! SV Darmstadt 98 will wear an exclusive members' jersey against SV Elversberg on matchday 31. The special feature: Every member who purchases the jersey has their personal membership number printed on it.
SVD vs. Schalke: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Our premium partner ENTEGA is once again providing unique stadium experiences this season. For every home game, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP lounge. The application deadline for the match against Schalke 04 is Thursday (March 19th) at 12 noon.
U21: Bitter defeat against SC 1960 Hanau
A narrow defeat. On Sunday (March 15th/3pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team suffered a 1-0 away loss against SC 1960 Hanau. You can read the match report for the 23rd Hessenliga matchday here.
A complete success: 5th tree planting campaign by SV 98 and Krombacher
Working together for nature conservation: For the fifth time, SV Darmstadt 98 and premium partner Krombacher organized a reforestation campaign as part of the "Under the Sign of the Lily" initiative. Last Sunday (March 15), around 60 Darmstadt fans traveled by bus from Darmstadt to participate in the planting project in a wooded area in the municipality of Kleinwallstadt, in the district of Hausen. Supported by Darmstadt professional Grayson Dettoni, the volunteers planted approximately 3,500 young trees. Local experts provided the necessary equipment, while the Krombacher Brewery catered for the participants.
Season finale at the Bölle || Hannover and Paderborn sold out
We fought together. We celebrated together. We scored points together and celebrated spectacular football festivals. This season, our Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor has once again become a true blue and white fortress. We were on the pitch, and you were in the stands. In 13 home games, we remained undefeated 13 times. Let's keep it that way in the final stretch of the season!
A point won
Darmstadt were the weaker team for 60 minutes in Magdeburg, but showed an impressive response to falling behind and ultimately took a point back to southern Hesse. In our analysis, we look at the turbulent minutes after going behind 1-0 and explain the reasons why Darmstadt struggled to gain control of the game for so long.
„We’ll take the point, even though we would have liked to win.“
It was the expectedly tricky away game: Against a passionate home side who demanded everything from Darmstadt, SV 98 took a point on matchday 26. After the break, Fabian Nürnberger was particularly in the spotlight, first scoring an own goal and then the equaliser. Read about his own experience of the evening and how the other key players assessed the 1-1 draw in the post-match interviews.
Sharing of points in Magdeburg
SV Darmstadt 98 added to their points tally on matchday 26, securing a point with a 1-1 (0-0) draw against 1. FC Magdeburg. Substitute Nürnberger scored for the visitors in the 67th minute. This brings the South Hessians‘ season total to 49 points.
Team News: Pfeiffer and Holland move into the team
Friday evening in Magdeburg. Darmstadt 98 visit Magdeburg for their 26th matchday fixture. Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting eleven compared to the home win against Kiel. Patric Pfeiffer returns to the team after serving his suspension, with Aleksandar Vukotić taking his place on the bench. Fabian Holland also replaces Merveille Papela in the starting lineup. Fabian Nürnberger is back in the squad for the first time since the Braunschweig match (February 14th), while Raoul Petretta is unavailable due to knee problems.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Magdeburg Game
Friday evening. Floodlights. Darmstadt 98 travel to Magdeburg for the 26th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. Kick-off is at 6:30pm on Friday (March 13th). What do both head coaches have to say before the match? Who will referee the game? And who will be on the commentary team for Sky? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match in Magdeburg for you in our "Matchday Guide" overview.
„We’re eager to win an away game.“
Ahead of Friday evening's match (March 13th/6:30pm), Florian Kohfeldt assesses 1. FC Magdeburg's playing style, provides a personnel update, and looks at his own team's preparations for the game. We have summarised the most important statements from our head coach's press conference here.
Fan Information for the Magdeburg Game
The journey from stadium to stadium is a good 466 kilometres, a distance SV Darmstadt 98 has to cover for their away match against 1. FC Magdeburg. On Friday evening (March 13th/6:30pm), the Lilies will be guests in the capital of Saxony-Anhalt for the 25th matchday of the second division. To help you prepare for your trip and everything else, here's the information you need for your visit to the stadium.