New season, new chapter | Lilies to touch

We are not just any club. We are a family that sticks together. That was the case yesterday, it is still that way today and it will always be that way in the future. We lilies. This is the team on the field. That’s you in the stands – and in your favorite places in the city, in your hobby cellars and your home. That’s why our new jerseys will be presented by you this year – by the fans for the fans. Because what makes more sense than having the jerseys presented by people who have always had the lily in their hearts? Whether at the campsite or in the hobby room, at work or in the garden at home: the new lily jerseys are an absolute eye-catcher – and are now available in all fan shops in Darmstadt and online. In addition, our mobile fan shop will be present at the Heinerfest all weekend.

The heart of the country is currently beating to the rhythm of football. The European Championship atmosphere can be felt everywhere, which was also clear during the Lilies‘ first test match in the region: The national team’s jerseys were mixed in among the numerous SVD jerseys. Head coach Torsten Lieberknecht’s team opened the series of test matches in the region with a success: In the duel against the A-league team SpVgg Hainstadt, the Darmstadt team managed to present 16 goals to the more than 700 fans. New signing Fynn Lakenmacher also scored three goals: “Of course, you’re happy that you scored goals. But the focus of the test games is on getting used to it and showing respect to the opponent.“ Selfies and autograph requests are also fulfilled at the region’s sports fields. The next game will take place this Wednesday (July 3rd) at 6:30pm. Here, the Lilies will compete at SV Beerfelden in Odenwald. The encounter will be presented by ENTEGA. Our mobile Lilien fan shop will also be on site so that you can equip yourself with the new jerseys.

Did you know that July is the month of birthdays for Lilies? Seven current Lilien professionals are celebrating their special day in the second month of summer, plus the birthdays of Rüdiger Fritsch and Kai Peter Schmitz as well as numerous ex-Lilies. We start July with the days of honour this week:

Uwe Hahn (70 years old)

On Tuesday (July 2nd), former SV Darmstadt 98 striker Uwe Hahn celebrated his anniversary and turned 70. The footballer once experienced ups and downs with the Lilies. He played for the blue-whites for a total of seven seasons. Hahn played 126 second division games (18 goals) and 57 Bundesliga games (10 goals). Especially in the 1978/79 Bundesliga season, he became a regular player for the Lilies and became the Darmstadt team’s top goalscorer with seven goals. The goal of the month this season was his goal in the game against FC Bayern Munich: in front of 19,000 spectators, the striker scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 in the 89th minute. We warmly congratulate Uwe Hahn and wish him many positive moments, happiness and health!

Joachim Weber (73 years old)

And the next ex-Lilie is celebrating her birthday. This Wednesday (July 3rd) the former Lilie Joachim Weber turns 73 years old. He began his career at SV Darmstadt 98 in the 1971/72 season and showed exceptional commitment in the first few years. In the following season he celebrated the championship in the Regionalliga Süd with the team. A historic moment in his career was SV 98’s promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in 1978. We would also like to congratulate Joachim Weber on his special day!

Karol Niemczycki (25 years old)

Next Friday (July 5th) belongs to our new signing Karol Niemczycki. The goalkeeper celebrates his 25th birthday. For the first time, the Polish native will celebrate his special day with the Lilien family. So far in his career, the goalkeeper has already played in the leagues of three countries: Poland, the Netherlands and Germany. In addition, Niemczycki has also played internationally – due to strong performances, he was once called up for the U21 national team of his home country. Happy birthday, Karol!

New signing Fynn Lakenmacher spoke in a media round on Tuesday (July 2) about his move to SV Darmstadt 98, his origins from a successful handball family and preparation for the coming season. „I got to know a very positive team, we’re going into the new season motivated. It’s now about finding each other and creating cohesion,“ said the striker about his first impressions as a Darmstadt player. The journalists who connected virtually were of course also interested in his handball family. The sister is still active, father and grandfather used to be very successful with the ball in their hands. Lakenmacher, on the other hand, preferred to play with his foot. He started playing football early in his childhood. Since then he has been making his way in this sport. The 2024/25 season will be the first season in the 2nd division for Lakenmacher, who moved to the Böllenfalltor from third division team 1860 Munich. Regarding his move from the third to the second league, he says: „I’m really looking forward to the new challenges and the new league!“