Since the 2014/2015 second division season, the PEAK98 fundraising campaigns have been an integral part of SV 98's home game days. Last season, 116,380 euros were raised for the good cause during the 17 matches played at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
The total amount raised on matchdays since the inception of this social sponsorship, unique in German football, is €1,428,104 million. PEAK and the Lilies use the donations to support social organisations and projects in Darmstadt and the surrounding area. With the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, the cooperation in the form of PEAK98 matchday campaigns will end after eleven years. Another six-figure donation amount in the past season represents the crowning conclusion of a long-standing and trusting partnership.
Volker Harr, Vice President of SV 98: „When we entered into the partnership with PEAK eleven years ago, Axel Dohmann, the pioneer at the time, had the great dream of raising one million euros in donations for a good cause. Many considered it utopian to achieve this amount through social sponsorship of this kind. It is all the more gratifying that we have not only reached this milestone, but have long since surpassed it.“
Harr adds: „Furthermore, the total from the past season proves that our fans supported and actively participated in the fundraising campaigns, match after match, right up until the very end. Of course, I look at the end of our cooperation with a heavy heart, but at the same time, it fills me with great pride that we were able to achieve all of the major goals of our partnership and establish this form of social sponsorship at SV 98. On behalf of the club, I can only thank PEAK for their years of loyalty and the almost familial collaboration.“
"On behalf of the club, I can only thank PEAK for their years of loyalty and the almost familial collaboration.”
This long-term commitment impressively demonstrates how a single idea can evolve into a sustainable initiative with significant impact. Sponsorship has not only supported numerous projects and people, but has also become an integral part of PEAK’s DNA. Ines Dohmann, Managing Director of the PEAK Group in Darmstadt, explains: „Axel’s idea of giving something back to our region gave rise to this unique sponsorship, which we originally intended to support for three to five years at the most. This has turned into eleven eventful years, during which we have been able to get to know many people and their lives who were very grateful for this support. These people and Axel’s vision of raising one million euros in donations have inspired us to „live“ this social sponsorship for much longer. This sponsorship is more than just support – it is part of our PEAK history.“
An overview of all actions of the past eleven years can be found here.
The campaign itself will continue in a modified form in the future. SV 98 will provide further information in due course.
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.