„There’s fire in it“ | Football on the hockey field

Fürth. Elversberg. Karlsruhe. Münster. Paderborn. „We still have five games left,“ explained Fabian Nürnberger in a media briefing on Wednesday (April 15th), but emphasised at the same time: „Our focus right now is solely on the away game in Fürth. It will be a tough match.“ Even though Greuther Fürth is currently second-to-last in the standings, the Cloverleaf is right in the thick of the tight fight to avoid relegation – for example, they are only two points away from eleventh place. The situation is therefore clear. „Fürth needs every point. We need every point,“ Nürnberger clarified, emphasising once again in the media briefing how determined he and his teammates are in the final stretch of the season: „There’s fire in the tank!“

The sun is shining! And that includes the hockey pitch. As part of the „TEC Easter Hockey Camp,“ football was rolling on the hockey field right next to the Bölle stadium last Friday (April 10th). A coaching team from the Lilies‘ youth academy, including the academy’s sporting director, Maximilian Mehring, was on hand to introduce the hockey-loving children to football. At various stations – accompanied by different coaches – the participants improved their ball skills. Everything from coordination and fitness exercises to passing, dribbling, and shooting was covered. A classic final training match also made it onto the hockey pitch – complete with long-range shots, brilliant runs, and impressive passing sequences. In a relaxed atmosphere, the two hours of the football excursion flew by. The event? A complete success!

No points for SAFC. Last Thursday (April 9th), the affiliate team of SV Darmstadt 98 suffered their first defeat in the USL Championship, losing 2-0 to Orange County SC. The Texans managed to secure at least one point last Sunday (April 12th) in their home game against FC Miami. The 0-0 draw at home in Toyota Field saw SAFC keep their fifth clean sheet of the season and remain undefeated at home.

Looking ahead: San Antonio FC’s next opponent is El Paso Locomotive, who travel to face them on Sunday (April 19th, 3:00am CET). San Antonio will be looking to hand El Paso their first defeat. We in Darmstadt wish them the best of luck!

Too bad. The SV Darmstadt 98 fan team came away empty-handed from their away match against Türkgücü Darmstadt II. In the district league game, the home team scored three goals before halftime and added another in the second half. The „second team“ managed a consolation goal in the 78th minute, making it 4-1, but that was the last goal of a disappointing day.

Now it’s important to put this game behind them as quickly as possible and focus on the next match. Next Wednesday (April 22nd, 7:30pm), the „second team“ (currently in 13th place) will host Kamerun Darmstadt in an evening game on their home turf. Against their league rivals (currently in 14th place), the fan team aims to further distance themselves from the relegation zone. A win would give them a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Comeback potential. In a friendly match (April 11th/11:00am) between SV Darmstadt 98’s U19 team and SV Rot-Weiss Walldorf, the young Lilies showed they’re eager to get back into league action. Although they went into halftime trailing 2-0, Darmstadt had other ideas. Esad Smailji came on at the start of the second half and immediately turned the game on its head. He first scored in the 61st minute to make it 1-2 and then again late in the 84th minute to equalise at 2-2. The match ended 2-2, whetting the appetite for the upcoming clashes.

Because some tough matches are on the horizon. On Sunday (April 19th, 11:00am), the U19 team will face FSV Frankfurt in the league, before their Hessen Cup match against Hessen Kassel on Wednesday (April 22nd, 7:00pm). A win against Frankfurt would put Darmstadt in a playoff position, while a victory in the Hessen Cup would secure them a place in the semifinals.

A spectacular finish! The SV Darmstadt 98 U17 team faced a major challenge in the DFB Youth League. On Sunday (April 12th, 2pm), the young Lilies hosted SSV Jahn Regensburg, the league leaders in their group. A goalless draw remained on the scoreboard well into the second half. This was already a success for Darmstadt, as Regensburg currently boasts the best attack. But from the 75th minute onwards, Darmstadt took control: The young Lilies opened the scoring with a 1-0 lead. Shortly before the final whistle (84th minute), the Bavarian team equalised, but the SVD U17s responded immediately. Just 60 seconds later, they regained the lead – 2-1 for SVD in the 85th minute thanks to Dzemail Hajrovic’s brace. Congratulations to our U17 team on the victory!

Next up is a match on Sunday (April 19th, 11:00am) against the current league leaders, TSV 1860 Munich. As with the U19 team, a promising Hessen Cup match is also on the schedule for Wednesday (April 22nd, 5:00pm. With home advantage, the Young Lilies will host Eintracht Frankfurt’s U17 team in a Hessen derby for a place in the quarterfinals.

Maximilian Mehring has been the Sporting Director of the Lilies‘ youth academy since the beginning of March 2026, and today, Wednesday (April 15th), he celebrates his 40th birthday. Happy birthday, Maximilian! Wishing you continued success and enjoy your 40th birthday celebration!

For nearly four decades, Dr. Michael Weingart served as team doctor for Darmstadt 98, experiencing many of the club’s highs and lows and always being there for the players. He turns 75 this Wednesday (April 15th). We send you our warmest congratulations on this special day, Michael!

Whether it’s just a twinge or already hurting: the physios are there to help! And she’s one of them: Katrin Herbig has been working as a physiotherapist for the professional team at SV Darmstadt 98 since 2022. She celebrates her 30th birthday on Saturday (April 18th). All the best and much happiness in your new year, Katrin!