26.06.2026 / English
The Lilies kick off their 2026 summer pre-season.
It was an early start on Thursday morning (June 25th) as SV Darmstadt 98 kicked off their 2026 summer pre-season. The goalkeepers were expected at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor just before 7am, with many other players following shortly thereafter. Yet, despite the early hour, a cheerful Marcel Schuhen jogged from the car park to the team building, flashing a broad grin as he held up an "eight" for the camera. "Today marks the eighth time in a row that I’m starting summer pre-season with the Lilies," smiled the SV 98 captain; under contract at the "Bölle" since 2019, he is the longest-serving player in the current squad.
The schedule is likely already familiar to the SVD captain. After a summer break lasting several weeks, SV Darmstadt 98 is beginning its intensive pre-season training for the upcoming 2026/27 second-division campaign. As usual, the „Lilies“ are kicking things off with a series of medical examinations and performance diagnostic tests. The ball will start rolling for the first time on Sunday (June 28, 3pm) during the public opening training session in the Odenwald region.
To launch this year’s summer preparations, all SV 98 players were scheduled for blood tests on Thursday morning between 7:00 and 8:45am. At the same time, they stepped onto the scales; body fat and muscle mass measurements were recorded to assess their fitness levels following the summer break. Traditionally, the first two days of pre-season training focus on medical diagnostics and sports science analysis. In addition to the blood tests, the Lilies‘ professionals underwent a comprehensive internal medicine check-up to record general health parameters, as well as a full eye examination.
On both Thursday and Friday (June 26th), another key focus was on various performance tests conducted in the weight room and out on the training pitch. While the players—including Schuhen and his teammates—underwent mobility analyses and stability and strength tests indoors, they completed an intensive running test outdoors. All these measures serve to build a comprehensive picture of each individual player’s physical performance capabilities.
Start of training in the Odenwald
Following the conclusion of this testing phase, football action finally resumes on Sunday (June 28th): Head coach Florian Kohfeldt will lead his squad in their first official training session of the new season. For this event, the „Lilien“ are traveling to the Odenwald region. The ball will start rolling at 3pm at the beautifully situated grounds of SV Winterkasten (Außerhalb 3, 64678 Lindenfels). All Lilien fans are cordially invited to attend this public season-opening training session. There is plenty in store, especially for young Lilien supporters: target shooting, a shot-power test, face painting, and more are on the agenda.
In addition to marking the official start of pre-season preparations, this training session signals the beginning of an increased presence for the Lilien in the Odenwald. Through various initiatives and events in the coming months, SV 98 aims to forge closer ties with the local community and further strengthen its bond with the Odenwald region.
Transfer News: Kehl becomes the Lilies‘ next new signing.
SV 98 can announce another new signing ahead of the start of training on Sunday (June 28). Lars Kehl is joining the "Lilies" from VfL Osnabrück on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.
Transfer News: Lührs joins the Lilies
Reinforcement for the SV 98 defence: The Lilies have signed Yannik Lührs. The 22-year-old defender joins the club at the Böllenfalltor from TSG Hoffenheim II.
Training begins in the Odenwald | „This feeling“
The summer break is drawing to a close, and this coming Sunday (June 28th), the Darmstadt professionals will be back on the training pitch for the first time, officially starting their preparations for the 2026/27 second division season. And they'll be doing so in the Odenwald region. Furthermore, the club has welcomed another new signing, Nicolas Verkooijen. You can find these and other topics in our weekly edition, "Lilies Across the Board."
Organisational information for the „Lionel Richie Tribute Night“ with Jimmie Wilson
At the "Lionel Richie Tribute Night" on June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening, doors open at 8:30 p.m.), Jimmie Wilson will bring the greatest hits of the American soul singer live to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This concert evening, presented by SV Darmstadt 98 Stadion GmbH, promises a special atmosphere – whether you want to sing along, dance, or simply enjoy the music. Here you will find all the important organisational information.
Transfer News: Verkooijen Signs for Lilies
SV 98 have secured the services of highly sought-after Nicolas Verkooijen. The Belgian U21 international joins the club in southern Hesse on a free transfer after his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expired at the end of the season.
Young Lilies participate in the „Bundesliga Talent Series“
The "Bundesliga Talent Series" will launch in the 2026/27 season as an additional U21 competition to promote young talent in German professional football. SV 98 is one of 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga that have committed to participating.
Transfer News: Lilies Loan Out Arnold
Tim Arnold will play in the Regionalliga West next season. SV 98 is loaning the 19-year-old to Sportfreunde Siegen. The fourth-division club also has an option to sign him permanently.
Heinerfest game show: SV 98 is looking for four teams
Want to take your team to the Heinerfest stage? Then apply now! SV Darmstadt 98 is looking for four teams to be part of the Lilies' Heinerfest game show and compete against former Lilie player Michael Stegmayer. The show takes place on Saturday, July 4th, from 4pm to 6pm. Amateur teams, groups of friends, families, fan clubs, and club groups are all welcome to participate.
Merck Lilies football camps are starting for the summer holidays: Secure your spot now!
With the start of the Hessian summer holidays on June 29th, the Merck Lilies football camps will of course also be in full swing again. You can find all the information here.
Young Lilies: Coach swap between U21 and U19
SV 98 is making changes to the head coaching positions for its U21 and U19 teams for the upcoming season. Sebastian Schmitt, who has been in charge of the U21s since February, will now coach the U19s. Conversely, the current U19 coach, Patrick Kurt, will take over the position with the U21s.
The fan shop at Bölle will remain closed on Monday.
The SV Darmstadt 98 fan shop at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be closed next Monday (June 22nd). It will reopen on Tuesday (June 23rd) with its regular opening hours.
From Japan to Canada | „I want to show what I’m capable of“
Where are the Darmstadt 98 players spending their summer holidays? We'll give you a brief overview. Furthermore, SV 98 welcomed their first new signing, Noah Weißhaupt, to the Böllenfalltor stadium this week, and the club's veterans team will be playing two matches again this weekend. We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 in our "Lilies Across the Board" section.