“I’m glad it’s continuing.” | Pfeiffer collects 21 minutes

Anticipation for the return of league play! Anticipation for the crunch time in the 2. Bundesliga! This was definitely evident in Marcel Schuhen’s performance during the media briefing on Wednesday (April 1st). „I’m only thinking about Bielefeld. I’m glad it’s starting again and that the break is over,“ emphasised the SV 98 captain. But at the same time, he warned of a potentially tough away game at Bielefeld’s Alm stadium. „Arminia has a very energetic team that plays with great intensity – especially at home. We are prepared for a very difficult away match,“ said the Lilies‘ number one.

It’s always something very special to play for your home country. And when it’s your national team debut, those are the moments a player will remember forever. Even though the result was a clear victory for Austria, we look back with immense pride on Patric Pfeiffer’s debut in the Ghanaian national team jersey. Last Friday (March 27th), the SV 98 centre-back made his first appearance for Ghana. The Hamburg native, whose mother is Ghanaian, played 21 minutes against Austria. Congratulations on your debut, Paddy! Or, as Marcel Schuhen put it: „It’s sensational that the lad is now a national team player!“

There were wide-eyed children yesterday, Tuesday (March 31st), when the Darmstadt 98 players Marcel Schuhen, Kai Klefisch, and Niklas Schmidt made an appearance at the Merck-Lilien Football Camp 2026 at the youth academy. The three professionals participated in a lively Q&A session, covering topics such as the boys‘ favourite food, red cards, and the age-old question: „Messi or Ronaldo?“ Afterwards, each of the more than one hundred participating children had the chance to get autographs and photos from the players, who joked and chatted with them in good spirits. A thoroughly enjoyable lunch break at the youth academy!

The sparkle in the children’s eyes was also evident today, Wednesday (April 1st), during the Bölle Gang’s Easter egg hunt. One hundred and fifty children and their parents took part in the search on the opposite side of the pitch at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Flooded with children searching for and finding Easter eggs, the atmosphere on the opposite stand was fantastic. Two found Easter eggs meant a small chocolate surprise. Matej Maglica and Marco Richter were also there, providing the children with chocolate, autographs, and photos of the Bölle Gang. With selfies, autographs, and chocolate Easter bunnies, the kids happily headed home.

A look across the pond. San Antonio FC, a partner club of SV Darmstadt 98, shone with a 2-0 home victory against Lexington SC on Sunday (March 29th). It was the fourth matchday of the American USL Championship, where Darmstadt’s partner club currently leads its group. This convincing win gives SAFC ten points, two points ahead of second-placed Orange County SC. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you, SAFC!

90+5! 1-1 by Esad Smailji! SV Darmstadt’s U19s force extra time! Last Wednesday (March 25th), the young Lilies traveled to JSG Leihgestern/FC Tuba for the round of 16 of the Hessian A-Juniors Cup. The scoreboard showed a goalless draw until the 40th minute, when the home side finally broke the deadlock with a 1-0 lead just before halftime. For a long time, it looked as if the young Lilies‘ cup run would end in the round of 16, as the deficit remained unchanged even after 90 minutes. Then, deep into stoppage time, Esad Smailji scored the decisive equaliser to make it 1-1. The late goal meant extra time in the battle for a place in the quarterfinals. Riding the wave of euphoria from the equaliser, the young Lilies dominated the next 30 minutes. The goals that made it 2-1 (94th minute) and 3-1 (98th minute) for the U19s ensured a more relaxed extra time period. The game was finally sealed in the 118th minute when the young Lilies scored to make it 4-1 – the final score and their advancement to the quarterfinals. There, they will face KSV Hessen Kassel on Wednesday (April 22nd, 7pm).

Things were less fortunate for SV Darmstadt 98’s U17 team. On Sunday (March 29th), the young Lilies were unfortunately unable to secure any points while playing away against FC Ingolstadt. The league match ended 4-0 for the Schanzer. FCI’s advantage was boosted by an early penalty (7th minute) and a red card for the young Lilies in the first half (22nd minute). The schedule is now free over Easter, allowing the U17s to recharge before hosting league leaders SSV Jahn Regensburg on Sunday (April 12th, 2pm).

Finally, a win! The SV Darmstadt 98 fan team had every reason to celebrate last weekend: With a 2-1 victory against FC Sturm Darmstadt on Sunday (March 29th), they celebrated their first competitive win of 2026. Although the first half on their home turf was goalless, Massimiliano Viola opened the scoring almost immediately after the restart (47th minute). Sturm Darmstadt responded just eight minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute. However, the Darmstadt fan team responded just as quickly: Sven Muth put SVD ahead 2-1 in the 63rd minute. No further goals were scored after this turbulent quarter-hour, securing the fan team’s first three points of the calendar year. The previous weekend, the Lilies had already managed a 2-2 draw against TGB Darmstadt. Consequently, the Darmstadt fan team remains unbeaten in two matches. There are no further games scheduled over the Easter weekend; the next league match will be on Sunday (April 12th/3pm) – away against Türk Gücü Darmstadt II.

After progressing through the youth ranks at Darmstadt 98’s academy, Max Pfister has been a member of the first team since the start of this season, signing a professional contract. On Friday (April 3rd), the young Darmstadt player will celebrate his 19th birthday. Therefore, we wish you all the best and hope all your wishes come true, Max!