Early rises were the order of the day as SV Darmstadt 98 began their summer training camp on Friday morning (June 20th). With the first rays of sunshine, the first players arrived at the training building on Nieder-Ramstädter Straße – and they were all feeling palpable anticipation. "Have you missed us?" Marcel Schuhen called out to the group, cheerful and dressed for summer, as he headed toward the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Fellow goalkeeper Alexander Brunst also reflected the positive mood. With a broad grin, he addressed the camera: "I hope you're all well. It's finally starting again!"
After several weeks of summer break, the 98ers team begins its intensive preparation phase for the upcoming 2025/26 second division season. As usual, the Lilies will begin with medical examinations and performance diagnostic tests before returning to the training ground on Sunday (June 22nd).
To kick off their summer preseason, all SV Darmstadt 98 players had their blood drawn between 7 and 9am on Friday morning. At the same time, they also stepped on the scales: Body fat and muscle mass were recorded to gain an overview of their fitness level after the summer break. The first two days of preseason are traditionally dedicated to medical diagnostics and sports science analysis. In addition to blood tests, the Lilies players also underwent a comprehensive internal medical check-up on Friday, during which general health parameters were recorded.
On Saturday (June 21st), the focus shifts to the weight room: mobility analyses, stability and strength tests are on the agenda to obtain a comprehensive picture of each individual player’s physical performance.
After completing this test phase, football will finally return to the pitch on Sunday (June 22nd): Head coach Florian Kohfeldt will invite his team to the first official training session of the new season. The ball will roll again at 2pm in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor – in front of a crowd in the main stand. All Lilien fans are cordially invited to attend the public training kickoff. Access is via the entrance at the Lilienschänke; the stadium gate opens at 1:30pm. A stadium kiosk at the main stand will also be open, so you can get food and drinks.
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
