12.02.2026 / English
The Bölle Gang is out of control in Maxiland | Don’t take your foot off the gas pedal
Fraser Hornby reflects on the current sporting situation and his beginnings at SV 98. He's now in excellent form and impressing in his role on the field. Meanwhile, a visit from the Bölle Gang to Maxiland brought smiles to the children's faces and lots of fun. We also report on two birthdays within the Lilies family, as well as the Young Lilies and the SV 98 eFootball team.
+++ "Never take your foot off the gas pedal" +++
Eight goals and six assists in 19 appearances. That’s Fraser Hornby’s impressive stats this season, placing him among the top scorers in the 2. Bundesliga. It’s no secret that the Scottish forward is a key player for Darmstadt. Last weekend, Hornby not only got on the scoresheet but also provided an assist. Thanks to their convincing performance against Kaiserslautern, Hornby and his teammates now have 41 points. Looking at the league table, the 26-year-old revealed in a media briefing on Tuesday (February 10th): „Of course, we know where we stand right now.“ A nice snapshot, yes. „But this league is so strong that you can’t let up for a single moment. We need to maintain our full focus every single week,“ Hornby cautioned.
+++ "I'm back to being the player I used to be" +++
In the summer of 2023, Fraser Hornby joined SV 98 Darmstadt. Looking back on this decision, he said in a media briefing on Tuesday (February 10th): „From the very beginning, I had a really good feeling about the club and the city.“ However, his start in Darmstadt was anything but easy. A serious injury in his first year made it difficult for him to settle in at the Böllenfalltor stadium, which is why he had to admit that he needed „a little time“ to „get his feet on the ground here.“ But since Florian Kohfeldt took over as head coach in September 2024, things have steadily improved for Hornby. “Since Flo arrived and we had a really good talk, I feel like I’ve become the player I was before,” said the Scottish striker. His position on the pitch also plays a key role. Until he was 18, Hornby played in attacking midfield – a role that still suits him perfectly. He worked intensively with the coaching staff on his position and his runs. Hornby explains that he can perform at his best when he’s actively involved in the game, creating space and helping to shape the flow of play. “I think that’s helped the team a lot this year. And I’ve really enjoyed playing that way. So it’s been a win-win situation.”
+++ The Bölle Gang goes wild in Maxiland +++
Last week, the Bölle Gang visited „Maxiland“ – and it was a truly colourful and lively affair! Around 70 children from the 98ers‘ Kids Club, along with about 28 chaperones, explored the many attractions and play areas of the indoor playground. From exciting adventures and creative activities to boisterous play – there was something for everyone. The children were especially delighted when they received little surprises: Match Attax cards and football stickers brought smiles to their faces and created many happy moments. In the evening, everyone enjoyed a meal together with pizza, fries, chicken nuggets, and drinks – giving the kids a chance to recharge for the rest of their playtime!
+++ eFootball tournament at Bölle +++
On February 28, 2026, the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be transformed into the stage for the „Virtual Bundesliga Club Wildcard Tournament“—organized by the eFootball department of SV 98. The Lilies are still looking for participants: all eFootball enthusiasts aged 16 and over who want to put their skills to the test are eligible to take part. Check-in begins at 10:30am, with the tournament officially kicking off at 11:30am. Participants will compete in exciting matches, vying for attractive prizes and the chance to prevail in a top-class field. Besides glory and sporting recognition, the best players of the day will also receive substantial prizes: first place will be awarded a wildcard, a home jersey, and two tickets to a Lilies home game. The other podium places can also look forward to something: Second place wins a home jersey and two seated tickets, third place receives two seated tickets and fourth place can look forward to SVD fan merchandise.
+++ U21 wins under new coach +++
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team won a high-scoring friendly match against fifth-tier side VfR Wormatia Worms 4-3 last weekend. Despite conceding an early goal (1st minute), the Lilies refused to be discouraged. Mika Schlosser pulled one back in the 13th minute, but Wormatia regained the lead (24th minute). Just four minutes later, Smail Kadrijaj leveled the score at 2-2, meaning the teams went into halftime tied.
After the break, two quick goals from Imad Jaadar (53rd minute) and Schlosser again (55th minute) put Darmstadt in the lead. Worms then added a third to seal the victory, with the match ultimately ending 4-3 in favour of the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team.
The match was the first under new coach Sebastian Schmitt, who takes over responsibility for the U21 team until the end of the season following the dismissal of Daniel Petrowsky. On, Wednesday (February 11th), at 2pm, the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team faces its next friendly: the Young Lilies will take on the U23 team of 1. FSV Mainz 05 and aim to put on another strong performance in Mainz.
+++ Start of competitive matches for U17 and U19 teams +++
Last weekend, SV Darmstadt 98’s U17 team kicked off the second half of their DFB Youth League campaign (League B, Group C). In their home match against FC Ingolstadt, the team put in a strong performance, securing a respectable 0-0 draw. This coming Saturday (February 14th, 3pm), the U17s travel to SSV Jahn Regensburg, where the young Lilies will be looking to prove themselves. Over the next six months, the SV 98 players will also face 1860 Munich, Unterhaching, Bayreuth, and FC Memmingen.
Meanwhile, SV Darmstadt 98’s U19 team is eagerly anticipating the start of their season. This coming weekend, they will kick off their DFB Youth League campaign (League B, Group F) with a home game against FSV Frankfurt. The team is looking forward to the support of their fans and hopes for a successful start to the new season. Kick-off is at 11 a.m. on Sunday (February 15th) on the grass pitch in Rödermark-Urberach (Traminer Str. 87, 63322 Rödermark). Also in the league are Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, Viktoria Köln, Fortuna Köln, MSV Duisburg, and VfL Osnabrück.
+++Happy Birthday, Doc! +++
Happy 52nd birthday, Dr. Philip Jessen! The esteemed team doctor of SV 98 is celebrating his special day today, Wednesday, February 11th. We wish him all the best, good health, happiness, and many wonderful moments in the coming year!
+++ Happy Birthday, Anne! +++
Presidential birthday! This coming Sunday (February 15th), Anne Baumann celebrates her 46th birthday. As a dedicated member of the board, she has been managing the finances of SV 98 for many years, making a significant contribution to the success and stability of the Lilies. Dear Anne, we wish you all the best on your special day! May you have much joy, good health, and countless wonderful moments!
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.