Under the emblem of the Lily, SV Darmstadt 98 stands for community, responsibility, and solidarity. The club sees itself as an active part of society and embodies values that extend far beyond football. Respect, openness, and cooperation characterise its actions both on and off the pitch. Thus, in the second half of 2025, SV 98 implemented numerous projects focusing on sustainability and social responsibility. An overview follows.
With the project „Learning Venue Stadium – Bölle Makes Education,“ SV Darmstadt 98 has created a unique extracurricular learning environment that combines a passion for football with social responsibility. Since 2021, the club has been part of a nationwide network that raises young people’s awareness of democratic values such as tolerance, respect, and fairness. Interactive workshops on topics like diversity, violence prevention, and social cohesion encourage young people to critically reflect on their role in society and actively participate in shaping it. The project is implemented by the fan project, under the auspices of the International Federation, and supported by dedicated partners.
Since 2015, SV Darmstadt 98, together with the fan project and the city of Darmstadt, has been committed to the integration of refugees in the region. With the „Integration Kick,“ a weekly football meet-up was launched, where refugees, fans, and club staff play together on the pitch. In 2016, this commitment was expanded through the „Welcome Alliance“ as part of the „Welcome to Football“ initiative. The goal was to enable refugees to connect with local clubs through sports – with success: many participants are now regular members of teams. In addition, career guidance programs were created. In 2020, another project, „Fit for the Future,“ was launched, combining sports, social interaction, and career prospects. Refugees and locals meet every Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Soccers Treff Darmstadt for a game of football. Workshops on career orientation, partner consultations, and application training are also offered, with support from SV Darmstadt’s main sponsor, HAIX.
SV 98 Darmstadt has been a close partner of the Darmstadt model „Protecting Children – Supporting Families“ since 2009. The city’s welcome service visits new parents after the birth of their child, provides information, and offers early support if needed. Around 2,500 welcome gifts are presented annually – over 20,000 in total. Since 2023, the 98th baby born each year has also been given special recognition.
With its integrative educational project „Football Meets Culture,“ SV Darmstadt 98 has been involved with the Bernhard-Adelung-School in Darmstadt since 2019. The project, supported by LitCam and the DFL Foundation, aims to sustainably improve the educational opportunities of children in grades 3 to 6 from educationally disadvantaged families. Twice a week, the children are coached by youth trainers from SV 98 – alternating between the football pitch and the classroom. While the focus during football sessions is on team spirit and physical activity, the classroom sessions concentrate on language development, concentration, and social skills. The project combines sports, learning, and cultural experiences, thus fostering motivation, self-confidence, and future prospects for the participating children.
184 people responded to the call for blood donations at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor in the summer of 2025. The event marked the start of a long-term partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service Baden-Württemberg – Hesse. Former Darmstadt players also supported the event on site.
In January of this year, SV Darmstadt 98 organised a commemorative walk through Darmstadt to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. In August, SV 98 repeated the walk, which was attended by approximately 20 participants. The route led from Schlossgartenplatz to the Merck Stadium and served as a reminder of Jewish club members who were persecuted and murdered during the Nazi era. The walk set a visible example of remembrance and responsibility.
During a joint visit, around 40 fans of SV Darmstadt 98 explored the history of the former Osthofen concentration camp memorial site. The tour powerfully conveyed the history of the place and underscored the importance of actively remembering the crimes of National Socialism.
During the Christmas season, SV Darmstadt 98 once again participated in the Round Table Darmstadt’s Christmas parcel convoy. The aim of the campaign is to bring joy to underprivileged children in Eastern Europe during the Christmas season. The Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor once again served as the central collection point for the gifts during the Bölle Bande’s Christmas light run.
Every Sunday, the private initiative „Helping the Homeless in Darmstadt“ distributes hot meals and much more to the homeless and needy at Europaplatz, near the west exit of the main train station. This year, as in previous years, professional players from the Darmstadt 98 football club supported the initiative by helping to serve potato and goulash soup. Bartosz Bialek, Merveille Papela, Yosuke Furukawa, and Leon Klassen were all on hand to support the homeless and needy in Darmstadt.
On the hard ground of the Merck Stadium, equipped only with sleeping mats and sleeping bags, the participants of SV Darmstadt 98’s open-air sleepover on November 28th experienced an enlightening night under the stars. The primary goal of this event was to raise awareness and highlight the daily reality of homelessness. SV 98 fans could participate free of charge, and for €98 they could also purchase sleeping bags and mats. These were later donated to the organisation „Aus der Not Darmstadt e.V.“ (Darmstadt in Need). The aim was to provide at least a glimpse into what it’s like to live without a permanent place to sleep in winter temperatures.
After a welcome address by Darmstadt 98 President Markus Pfitzner, the evening began with moving presentations. The night concluded with a shared pizza dinner and lively discussions, followed by the search for sleeping spots within the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The next day, the participants shared their experiences over breakfast under the open sky.
With the aim of inspiring children and young people with and without disabilities to play football, SV Darmstadt 98 works closely with the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS). The matchday camps allow participants to first kick a ball around themselves and then experience a Darmstadt 98 match live at the Merck Stadium – as was the case with SV 98’s 3-2 victory against KSC. The camps aim to promote inclusion, community, and team spirit, as well as to create unforgettable experiences.
Wonderful encounters and many beaming faces: During the Advent season, several players from SV 98 Darmstadt visited various social institutions in Darmstadt and the surrounding region.
At the Nieder-Ramstadt Diaconal Center, the Z 14 residential and overnight care facility, the „DA-HEIM“ therapeutic group home, the Bärenfamilie (Bear Family) children’s home, and the Darmstadt Children’s Hospital, the Lilies (SV 98 Darmstadt 98) took plenty of time for photos and autographs. The activities ranged from baking cookies to personal conversations.
A particular highlight was the presentation of tickets for the Christmas carol concert presented by Merck, as well as small gifts and fan merchandise, which brought additional joy. The visits offered many wonderful moments away from the football pitch and demonstrated once again how important closeness, time, and personal interaction are – especially during the Advent season.
Many more social initiatives, as well as existing ones, will take place in 2026. We look forward to your support!
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.