This weekend, it's not just the SV Darmstadt 98 pros who are back in action; the U21 team also kicks off its LOTTO Hessenliga campaign on Saturday (August 2nd at 3pm). Before the kickoff, we'll be joined by Björn Müller (Sporting Director of the Youth Development Center) and head coach Daniel Petrowsky to discuss the team's importance for SV 98's youth development, their goals, and the squad.
SV 98’s U21 team can look back on a successful debut season in the LOTTO Hessenliga. With a strong sixth-place finish, the young Lilies narrowly missed out on a place in the promotion round for the Regionalliga. The upcoming season, with 18 teams, should once again provide plenty of entertainment and excitement.
Our goal is to prepare players holistically for the demands of modern professional football – the U21 team is a crucial building block in this process.
After a successful debut season, the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team is entering its second season in the Hessenliga. The focus remains the same as in the previous season: the continuous development of young talent will remain the central focus. Head coach Daniel Petrowsky emphasises: „We once again have a very young team with players who could still play in the U19s. We want to introduce them to the senior level as quickly as possible.“
Björn Müller, sporting director of the youth performance center, also clearly places the U21 team in the club’s training program. „If we succeed in bringing players into the next age group early on, or into the senior level with a view to the future – ideally into the senior squad – then we will have fulfilled part of our mission.“
The U21 team thus forms an important bridge between youth and professional football.
The team underwent major changes over the summer. Only a small core of players from the previous year remained. Some players, like Tim Arnold and Max Pfister, made the jump to the first team. Others sought new challenges in higher leagues. Petrowsky speaks of a „completely new beginning,“ but also sees this as a great opportunity. „There are new characters and types of players. Forming a successful unit out of them is a challenge, but also an exciting task.“
Müller also emphasises the special dynamic of the changes. The team now consists of players from different backgrounds. The goal is to build a strong team culture and develop each individual player individually. That this can be achieved was already evident during the preseason. „Both training camps – the U19 and U21 – were very positive. The teams worked with high intensity and showed the will to grow together as a group,“ Müller said.
Goalkeepers: Til Rohde, Emil Hagemann, Mauritius Schönig.
Defenders: Aziz Alagi, Jonas Buchberger, Burak Karakaya, Bastian Görtler, Kelvin Kunstmann, Marcello Maier.
Midfielders: Imad Jaadar, Tom Steineck, Markus Ballmert, Luis Klappich, Kian Rebner, Milian Herbst
Forwards: Smail Kadrijaj, Luigi Mignano, Mika Schlosser, Loan Schnerring
Daniel Petrowsky (Manager), Sebastian Schmitt (Assistant Manager)
During their summer preseason, the Lilies completed an intensive training program, including friendly matches and a training camp. Particular emphasis was placed on athletic fundamentals, tactical discipline, and the development of playful solutions. Petrowsky describes the progress as clearly visible. „The initial tests revealed some weaknesses that we have been working on. A positive trend is evident.“
The integration of the U19 players is going well, as they are already familiar with the club’s philosophy. New recruits from outside the team have also been successfully integrated. Müller praises the commitment and professionalism of both groups. „Many players are hungry to take the next step. You can see that on the pitch.“
The U21s aim to focus on a healthy mix of control and flexibility. This means possession, clear forward play, but also compactness and defensive stability. „We want to play a style of football that contributes to development. Last year, we had the second-best defence in the league – that was our foundation,“ says Petrowsky. At the same time, it’s important to react to the different playing styles of our opponents, while at the same time having solutions in all situations and implementing Darmstadt’s style of play. „Some will attack us high, others will play deep. We have to be flexible, but maintain our identity.“
Close coordination with the professional team remains a key element. Regular exchanges with head coach Florian Kohfeldt and U19 coach Patrick Kurt take place. Petrowsky sees this as a significant added value. „When it comes to promoting players and acting in the interests of their development, trust between the coaching staff is crucial.“ Müller adds that the players‘ physical preparation is now at a very high level. The goal is to produce players who can also compete physically with the professional team.
The start of the new Hessenliga season is just around the corner. The first few matches will be a true test of the team’s performance. Petrowsky expects a strong league with ambitious newcomers and opponents like Eintracht Frankfurt II and FC Gießen. „I expect that anyone can beat anyone,“ says the coach. Müller also sees the first few games as an important test. „The first five or six matches will show us where we stand.“
With a newly formed team, clear goals, and a well-thought-out training program, SV 98’s U21 team is starting the new season. The anticipation is great, as are the challenges. For Daniel Petrowsky and his team, it’s all about building on last year’s successes – especially in preparing young players for higher responsibilities.
| Matchday | Date | Kick Off | Match |
| 1 | Saturday, 02.08.2025 | 3pm | Türk Gücü Friedberg – SV 98 |
| 2 | Saturday, 09.08.2025 | 3pm | SV 98 – CSC 03 Kassel |
| 3 | Saturday, 16.08.2025 | 3pm | SV 98 – SV Rot-Weiss Walldorf |
| 4 | Wednesday, 20.08.2025 | 7pm | SV Hummetroth – SV 98 |
| 5 | Saturday, 23.08.2025 | 2pm | FC Giessen – SV 98 |
We wish our U21 team much success in the upcoming Hessenliga season!
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.
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.