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 
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Starting Wednesday: Member presale for Bielefeld
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