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.
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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?
Fan Information for the Karlsruhe Game
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.
The largest team photo in the history of the Lilien enters its second round
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.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts before the Karlsruhe Game
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.
Stolperstein tour commemorates Jewish club members
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.
New breadth for the future and commemorating the past
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.
Secure your tickets now: Home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on general sale.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
Well-deserved victory for the Young Lilies
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.
With the right mindset and positive development
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.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor-GOAL-Bonus
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.
„Didn’t lose our heads after falling behind early“
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: