A training camp, a friendly match, and a blue-and-white presence in the Odenwald: there is plenty going on around SV 98 this week. The "Lilies" are continuing their intensive preparations for the new season in Bad Wörishofen until Sunday (July 26th), while also bonding as a team off the pitch. Saturday (July 25th) brings the next pre-season test: a match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Additionally, SV 98 will once again be represented at the Erbach Wiesenmarkt’s Family Day on Thursday (July 23rd). "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news from life at the club.
Grinding. Sweating. Giving it their all and preparing as best as possible for the 2026/27 second-division season—that is the mission for the „Lilien“ pros during their week-long training camp in Bad Wörishofen. The SV 98 squad also aims to use their time in the Allgäu region to bond as a team. „It’s great fun getting to know the new guys and finding our rhythm together,“ Kai Klefisch emphasised during a media session on Tuesday (July 21st), referring to the new signings. The immediate target the Lilien are working towards is the new season’s opening home match against Holstein Kiel—now less than three weeks away. „And for that, it’s important to integrate everyone as quickly as possible,“ Klefisch added.
Meanwhile, the Darmstadt team also intends to further hone their chemistry under match conditions. Towards the end of the training camp week, on Saturday (July 25th), SV 98 will face SG Sonnenhof Großaspach—a team recently promoted to the 3. Liga. Kick-off is at 12pm.
„Everything. I’m involved in it all,“ reveals Kai Klefisch during a media session following the first of two training sessions on Tuesday (July 21) in Bad Wörishofen. He had been asked whether, during the downtime between sessions, he belonged to „Team PlayStation“ or „Team Uno.“ With a broad grin, the midfielder naturally couldn’t resist mentioning that he had come out on top against his Japanese teammate on the PlayStation. „I won in extra time playing as Leverkusen against Furukawa, who was playing as Bayern Munich,“ jokes Klefisch.
What is it actually like to join SV Darmstadt 98 as a new player? Easy, emphasised Yannik Lührs during a media session on Wednesday afternoon (July 22nd). The centre-back has been under contract with the *Lilien* since the end of June 2026 and has felt very comfortable with his new club so far. He says: „The team, the coaching staff, the support staff, and the entire club make it easy to settle in here. That family-like atmosphere everyone talks about really does exist. That’s why I’m very happy to be here.“
They won the Premier League twice—back in the late 1940s. They also lifted the English Cup twice and amassed numerous other trophies throughout the club’s long history. Portsmouth FC is a club steeped in tradition, hailing from the port city of the same name on England’s south coast. And this very club will be visiting the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor this Saturday (August 1, 2pm) for the „Lilien’s“ official season opener.
The approximately 1,500 traveling fans from England are sure to create a special atmosphere. Tickets for the match are available in advance. So, secure your spot in the home section and support SV 98 during this final dress rehearsal before the start of the second-division season. A host of stalls, interactive activities, and attractions for fans of all ages await you around the stadium. CRAFT will be on-site with its popular sale, and the new away kit will be unveiled for the first time, available exclusively at the „Bölle“ that day. Additionally, the „Trinkhalle am Bölle“ will celebrate its debut in the north wing of the main stand, featuring DJ music and cold drinks. Alberto Colucci will provide the musical entertainment with a live performance of „Die Sonne scheint.“
The „98er Loge für Fans“ (98ers‘ Fan Box) offers a truly special experience. Guests can look forward to an extensive buffet, drinks at the club bar, seating in the hospitality suite, and the chance to chat with club representatives. After the match, the team will also visit the suite before the traditional autograph session.
The post-match autograph session offers the opportunity for photos, autographs, and personal interactions. Even visitors without a match ticket can join the season-opening festivities for free after the final whistle. You can find further information here.
Twice a year, the sports magazine Kicker publishes its rankings for German football, covering the 1. Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga. Categorised by position, Kicker evaluates players with the designations „outstanding“ and „notable.“ No fewer than five current Lilien professionals have made it to the top of the rankings based on their performances during the 2025/26 season. Matej Maglica, Hiroki Akiyama, and Luca Marseiler can celebrate being rated as „outstanding,“ while Marcel Schuhen and Kai Klefisch were honored as „notable.“ Fraser Hornby and Isac Lidberg—who wore the *Lilien* jersey last season and only transferred to other clubs this summer—were rated as „outstanding“ in the forward category.
As part of the Erbach Wiesenmarkt, the SV 98 legends team played against an Odenwald select squad last Sunday (July 19th). In pleasant summer weather, the match proved to be an entertaining affair, focusing above all on the game itself and on interacting with the many spectators. Many thanks for the warm hospitality and a thoroughly successful day!
The „Lilies“ will be back at the Erbach Wiesenmarkt this coming Thursday (July 23rd). On Family Day, you can find the mobile fan shop at the main entrance to the sports park from 12pm to 10pm. Look forward to great deals, exclusive promotions, and the chance to stock up on our special Odenwald-themed merchandise. SV 98 looks forward to seeing you there!
„We traditionally lose by a wide margin at these groundhopping events,“ explained fan liaison officer Alexander Lehné with a wink. On July 26, football returns to the Darmstadt velodrome after more than two decades. At 11am, the SV Darmstadt 98 fan team will face SG Nordheim-Wattenheim. This historic venue was once the home ground of FK Olympia Darmstadt, a predecessor club to the „Lilies.“
Considerable effort went into preparing the pitch for the match. Despite the dry conditions, the turf is being readied to ensure good playing conditions. The focus is less on the result and more on the unique atmosphere, the fun, and an injury-free game. Thanks to the large number of international guests, the catering—supported by VC Darmstadt—will offer Czech *klobása* and French *merguez* alongside Odenwald sausage specialties.
Tickets are still available at the Ticket Shop as well as at the box office on the day.
Happy birthday, Vuko! On Wednesday (July 22nd), the SV 98 centre-back celebrates his 31st birthday. The upcoming campaign will mark his third season wearing the „Lilies“ jersey. Since joining in July 2024, Darmstadt’s number 20 has made a total of 66 competitive appearances. He has impressed not only with his tremendous fighting spirit but also by contributing to eight goals. Dear Vuko, we wish you a wonderful birthday and hope you continue to enjoy the training camp!
San Antonio FC remains well-positioned in the USL Championship. Although the team suffered its first home defeat of the season last weekend—a 1–2 loss to Las Vegas Lights FC—SAFC remains among the top teams in the Western Conference. The squad from Texas will have its next opportunity to pick up points overnight from Saturday to Sunday (July 26th), when they visit Brooklyn FC at 1am German time. We wish them the best of luck from Darmstadt!
For the second year in a row, the "Lilies" are holding their summer training camp in Bad Wörishofen in the Allgäu region. SV 98 will be hard at work in this Kneipp spa town until July 26th, preparing for the upcoming season. In our diary, we’ll take you along through the days at the training camp.
Taking the next step together: SV Darmstadt 98 and Klöber Versicherungsmakler GmbH are further expanding their partnership. The Darmstadt-based company, which has served as a "Top Partner" to the Lilien for the past two years, will now act as a "Premium Partner" of SV 98.
It’s cup time again! In the first round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal season, the Lilies will face FC Carl Zeiss Jena in the "City of Light" on Sunday, August 23, at 3:30pm. Here’s how you can be there for the away match: the pre-sale for members begins this coming Friday, July 24, at 12pm —available both online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion. You can find all further details in this announcement.
A special experience awaits Darmstadt 98 fans: One week before the start of the season, SV Darmstadt 98 will host the traditional English club Portsmouth FC, and this year, once again, you have a very special opportunity. You can experience the match on Saturday (August 1st/2pm) from the exclusive 98ers' box on the upper level of the main stand at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor and enjoy an unforgettable home game with international guests and a fantastic atmosphere.
SV Darmstadt 98 and Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg are further expanding their long-standing partnership. By becoming a premium partner, both parties are sending a clear message to the region: Together, they want to support young people, strengthen youth football, and offer even more opportunities for children and families in southern Hesse.
During the afternoon session, Paul Fernie commented on various personnel matters. We have summarised his statements for you.
SV 98 will welcome a new face at their training camp in Bad Wörishofen. The Lilies have signed Carlo Sickinger from SV Elversberg.
SV Darmstadt 98's first away match of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season takes them to the Saxon capital: As part of the second matchday, the Lilies will face SG Dynamo Dresden on Sunday (August 16th) at 1:30pm. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale for this match starts next Wednesday (July 22nd) at 12pm – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck Stadium. You can find all further information in this announcement.
The U21 team of SV Darmstadt 98 can welcome a familiar face to their ranks for the upcoming season: Yannick Stark will play for the Lilies in the Hessenliga in the future.
SV Darmstadt 98 won their fourth pre-season friendly. The Lilies defeated regional league side FC-Astoria Walldorf 4-1 (0-0) after 120 minutes.
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
