Before the big stadium and floodlights dominated the landscape, Nürnberg schoolchildren chased a ball across the meadows. Under the watchful eyes of their gym teachers, the boys played on two goals in all kinds of weather. What no one realized at the time, however, was that this schoolyard kickabout would eventually lead to the formation of 1. FC Nürnberg.
Since 1888, the so-called „German football game,“ modeled on the English version, had been played at Nürnberg’s grammar schools and the district secondary school. Under supervision, players met on the Deutschherrenwiese or the Peterheide – punctually, with discipline, and with great enthusiasm. Breakfast was skipped for the kickabout, and matches were passionately discussed at school the next day. This enthusiasm led to the idea in 1900 of organising football in Nürnberg more effectively and permanently. In April of that year, all former teammates received an invitation to a meeting. A total of 18 men met on May 4th at the „Burenhütte“ inn, adjacent to the former playing field, the Deutschherrenwiese. The purpose of the meeting was to revive football in Nürnberg.
This was meant to be the start of a great story. 1. FC Nürnberg developed into one of the most successful clubs in the country, winning nine German championships, celebrating DFB Cup victories, and representing Germany on the European stage. Today, FCN stands for tradition, passion, and identity – driven by the same dedication that once united schoolchildren on dusty meadows. 1. FC Nürnberg now plays in the second tier of German football, the Bundesliga. Currently, the Red and Blacks are in eighth place. We’ve taken a closer look at SV Darmstadt 98’s opponent for their first home game of the first half of the season this coming Friday (January 23rd, 6:30pm) in our opponent check.
| Top Scorers | Top Assists |
| Rafel Lubach – 5 Goals | Julian Justvan – 6 Assists |
| Mohamed Ali Zoma – 4 Goals | Berkay Yilmaz – 5 Assists |
| Julian Justvan – 3 Goals | Mohamed Ali Zoma – 2 Assists |
| Finn Becker – 3 Goals | Finn Becker – 2 Assists |
| Piet Scobel – 2 Goals | Luka Lochoshvili – 1 Assist |
Miroslav Klose
Head coach of 1. FC Nürnberg1. FC Nürnberg impresses above all with its presence in direct one-on-one situations. Few teams seek out duels as frequently, averaging 222 duels per game – only Münster surpasses this figure. This high number reflects their intense and physical style of play. At the same time, the Club proves extremely efficient. With a tackle success rate of 51 percent, Nürnberg is among the strongest teams in the league in this category. Only two teams have better figures in this statistic.
The original plan was clear: finish his studies, explore his options, then decide what to do next. For Piet Scobel, professional football wasn’t the main focus for a long time; his education was. While others opted for a career in competitive sports early on, the native of northern Germany always kept his options open. He told the FCN club magazine: „I’m studying business mathematics. Until recently, that was still Plan A. Only in the last few days did it become clear that football might also be an option. Two years ago, I started my studies and played for a relegation candidate in the Hamburg Oberliga (fifth tier). Now things have moved relatively quickly – and everything has turned out differently.“
Scobel hails from Pinneberg in Schleswig-Holstein and didn’t follow a typical path through a youth academy. His footballing education took place primarily in the amateur and youth leagues of northern Germany. His development was shaped by stints at clubs such as SV Halstenbek/Rellingen, Blau-Weiß 96 Schenefeld, SG Lieth/Sparrieshoop, and, for a time, the youth academy of FC St. Pauli. Later, in senior football, he found his footing at Union Tornesch before joining Eimsbüttler TV in the Hamburg Oberliga (fifth tier) – far removed from large stadiums, but with a great deal of personal responsibility and without the pressure of professional football. Alongside this, his studies in business mathematics remained a central part of his daily life.
The move to 1. FC Nürnberg finally marked the turning point. Initially slated for the U23 team, Scobel consistently seized his opportunity with the Franconian club’s reserve team in the Regionalliga (fourth division). On the pitch, he embodies the target man. He relentlessly seeks out the penalty area, works hard physically against centre-backs, and is particularly dangerous on crosses and second balls. The precision of his actions makes him difficult to defend against. With goals (11) and assists (5), as well as his presence and high work rate, he quickly attracted attention this season and progressed to the first-team squad faster than expected. He has accumulated a total of ten minutes across four appearances for FCN since November. And then came the match last weekend against SV Elversberg: his first start, a brace, and the match-winner. „It was an emotional rollercoaster,“ Scobel explained, still visibly moved after the Elversberg game: „It was pure joy, the emotions just overflowed.“
What a story. From the fifth tier to the second division of the German football league in just one year. Can the 20-year-old even grasp it all yet? „I still need to process everything a bit,“ said Scobel in the mixed zone, adding: „It’s unbelievable. I’ll definitely need another night to realise what’s happened.“ Less planned, more hard-earned. Piet Scobel: From the lecture hall to the professional squad, from amateur football to the big stage.
Piet Scobel
Striker for 1. FC Nürnberg
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: