In February it starts again for the A and B juniors of SV Darmstadt 98. After the preliminary round, which ended after 14 match days, the youth teams compete in the main round in League B. Exciting and sometimes new opponents await you here.
After the last preliminary round game at the beginning of December, one thing is certain for the U19 and U17 Lilies: Both youth teams will start in the newly founded DFB youth league in League B from February.
The U19s were unable to reach the top two places in their group in the preliminary round with nine points from 14 games. Therefore, the A-Juniors will compete in the main round in League B. Coach Patrick Kurt’s team begins the second half of the season away from SV Gonsenheim on February 2, 2025. In addition to Gonsenheim, the Lilies face five other teams in Group E that also missed out on promotion to the top division: FC Augsburg, SC Freiburg, SSV Reutlingen, SSV Ulm and SV Sandhausen.
The preliminary round for the U17s was somewhat more successful. With a fourth place finish, the Lilies narrowly missed out on getting into the A-League, but now compete in League B like the U19s. An intensive opening weekend awaits the South Hessians: On Saturday (February 15th/2pm) the Hessen Cup game against JFV Nidda/Schotten is on the agenda. The next day (February 16th/11am) the first main round game will be away to SC Freiburg. In addition to Freiburg, the U17 faces the following opponents in the league: FC 08 Villingen, SSV Ulm, SV Gonsenheim, SV Sandhausen.
I am happy for the U17 and U19 that they have been divided into attractive groups. There are clubs there that we don't play against often. It will be interesting comparisons and we are looking forward to it.
The newly founded DFB youth league is divided into two phases: preliminary round and main round. In the preliminary round, the teams compete against each other in regionally divided groups. All U17 and U19 teams from clubs with a youth football training center are eligible to play every year.
After 14 preliminary round games, the first and second-placed teams as well as the best third-placed teams in the groups qualify for the A-League, in which the German championship is played. The remaining teams start in the main round in League B. In the following years, the teams start again with the preliminary round, as there is no promotion or relegation for the academy teams in the current system.
Another innovation concerns the substitution options: each team is allowed to make up to seven substitutions per game. This is to ensure that all 18 squad spots get a chance at playing time.
With these regulations, the DFB aims to take the pressure off the clubs to succeed and to focus more on the development, creativity and joy of playing of the players. This is intended to increase the talents‘ individual performance in the long term.
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.