Under the sign of the Lily: The second half of 2025

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.