Foto: SV 98 09.07.2025 / English
United in style and history | Jersey premiere at Bölle
The Lilies face a storied duel in their summer preseason. On Wednesday (July 9th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 players will play a friendly against Notts County, the world's oldest professional club, at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The wait is also over: The new Lilies home jersey for the 2025/26 season has been released. During the friendly against Notts County, all Lilies fans will be able to see the new jersey live and in action for the first time. The jersey is also available now in fan shops and online. We report on this and other topics related to SV 98 in our weekly column "Lilien Across the Board."
+++ Traditional friendly match +++
This is pure football tradition at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! On Wednesday (July 9th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will host Notts County FC, the world’s oldest professional football club, for a special friendly match. The English club, founded in 1862, brings not only their historical significance to the Böllenfalltor, but also a wealth of football passion from Nottingham. For the Lilies, meanwhile, it will be their first friendly match of this summer’s preseason in front of a home crowd at Böllenfalltor – and also the premiere of their new shirt. Against Notts County, SV 98 will wear their new home kit for the first time.
Tickets for the match will be available at the box office from 5:30pm and online at any time. To create a special atmosphere in the stadium, the visiting English fans will mingle with the Lilies fans in the A-Block.
+++ The new home jersey of the Lilies +++
United in style and history – this is the motto under which SV Darmstadt 98 presented its new home jersey for the 2025/26 season. The Lily-blue jersey combines artistic elements from Art Nouveau and Gothic styles with symbols of the city and the club. Fine embossing features, among others, the Wedding Tower, the church window of the founding church, the fleur-de-lis, and the coats of arms of the predecessor clubs. The collar and sleeves are adorned with a blue and white striped pattern, an embroidered fleur-de-lis sits on the chest, and the „Darmstadt“ lettering in Art Nouveau typography with the abbreviation „svd98“ above it is on the back.
HAIX and Suzuki complete the design in subtle blue and white as partners. The jersey is available online now. Starting Wednesday (July 9), it will also be available in the fan shops at Friedensplatz in Darmstadt’s city center and at the stadium. All buyers who purchase an adult jersey by July 22 can purchase the children’s jersey at half price.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 Home jersey scavenger hunt
For the launch of the new home jersey, SV Darmstadt 98 had something very special planned for its fans: As part of an elaborate scavenger hunt, fans could exclusively acquire the jersey on a moving tram, which was completely designed in the look of the new Lilien jersey. The first ten Lilien fans to say the code word „Jugendstil“ upon boarding received the new jersey for free. The tram was filled within a very short time, and the coveted free jerseys were sold out just as quickly. Many thanks to all Lilien fans who participated in this campaign!
+++ Groundhoppers beware! +++
On Friday (July 12th, 6pm), it will be both nostalgic and passionate: Fan team. Summer. Football. Bürgerparkstadion! For the friendly against VfL Michelstadt’s second team, the „second team“ of SV Darmstadt 98 returns to a place steeped in sports history: the Bürgerparkstadion Darmstadt-Nord.
Since 1978, this stadium has been a stage for athletics and football in Darmstadt. With a capacity of around 6,000 seats, it is idyllically located in the countryside, right in the middle of Bürgerpark-Nord. Thanks to its excellent connections by public transport and car, it is easily accessible for all fans. The genuine stadium atmosphere, combined with the typical Heiner mentality, gives this game a very special charm. Equipped with a grandstand, numerous standing areas, and an athletics track, the stadium offers the perfect backdrop for an exciting evening of football.
+++ Your type is in demand! +++
According to Malteser Deutschland, between 14,000 and 15,000 blood donations are needed every day. These are essential for blood transfusions, which are necessary for many vital surgeries and the treatment of chronic diseases. Blood cannot be produced artificially, which is why blood donations are so important. To mark the occasion, the Lilies, together with the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service, are organising a blood donation event at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This event will take place on Thursday (July 10) from 3pm to 8pm. Please book a free appointment in advance.
+++ U21's start preparation +++
SV Darmstadt 98’s first team isn’t the only team starting the new season: the U21 team has also begun preparations for the 2025/26 season. After a successful debut season in the LOTTO Hessenliga, the cards are being reshuffled.
The South Hesse team lost their first friendly of the season on Saturday (July 5th) against the top-flight Rhineland-Palatinate side VfR Wormatia Worms. U21 coach Daniel Petrowsky’s team lost 5-2 on home turf. The next friendly is just around the corner: On Saturday (July 12th, 1pm), the SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team will play at home against TSV 1881 Gau-Odernheim.
The U21 test matches at a glance:
| Date | Match | Result |
| Saturday (05.07/1pm) | SV 98 U21 – VfR Wormatia Worms | 2-5 |
| Saturday (12.07/1pm) | SV 98 U21 – TSV 1881 Gau-Odernheim | |
| Wednesday (16.07/7pm) | FSV Hollenbach – SV 98 U21 | |
| Friday (18.07/7.30pm) | SV 98 U21 – SV Fürth | |
| Saturday (26.07/3pm) | SV 98 U21 – TuS Hornau |
+++ Five Lilies, five days of honour +++
July remains a month full of joy and special occasions for the Lilies. After we have already pointed out in „Lilien Across the Board“ last week, we continue to celebrate this week.
Rüdiger Fritsch (64 Years Old)
On Thursday (July 10th), we warmly congratulate our president, Rüdiger Fritsch, on his 64th birthday. Fritsch has been at the helm of the sports club since 2012 and has significantly shaped SV 98 during this time: from promotion from the 3rd division to the Bundesliga, from sporting success to the infrastructural development around the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The completion of the stadium renovation, including the new main stand, office, function building, and fan shop, is closely linked to his presidency. Dear President, we thank you and wish you all the best, good health, and a wonderful birthday!
Fabian Holland (35 Years Old)
One day later, on Friday (July 11th), Fabian Holland celebrates his 35th birthday. „Fabi“ has been an integral part of the Lilien family for ten years – initially on loan, then permanently signed in 2015. During this time, he experienced emotional highs and lows with SV 98, including two Bundesliga promotions. We congratulate you, dear Fabi, from the bottom of our hearts and are looking forward to seeing you back on the field after a long injury layoff!
Oliver Posniak (68 Years Old)
Just one day later, on Saturday (July 12th), Oliver Posniak, a Lilien legend, celebrates his 68th birthday. In his nine years at SV 98, the former midfielder made an impressive 342 competitive appearances – to this day, he ranks third on the club’s all-time appearance list. Having joined from FSV Frankfurt in 1980, Posniak celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga with the team, wore the Lilien jersey in the top division, and later even took over the captaincy. We thank you for your contributions and wish you a very happy birthday, dear Oliver!
Serhat-Semih Güler (28 Years Old)
The eventful birthday week concludes with our new striker Serhat-Semih Güler, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Saturday (July 12th) alongside Oliver Posniak. Güler progressed through the youth ranks of Fortuna Düsseldorf and Bayer Leverkusen before beginning his professional career at Fortuna Köln in 2019. His career took him from Hansa Rostock to TSV 1860 Munich in the winter of 2024, initially for six months, before moving to Viktoria Köln in the summer. There, the attacker was in goal-scoring form, scoring an impressive 19 goals in 40 appearances in the 3. Liga and the Mittelrhein Regional Cup. Dear Semih, we warmly welcome you to Darmstadt, wish you much success with the Lilies, and of course, a happy birthday!
Alexander Brunst (30 Years Old)
Darmstadt goalkeeper Alexander Brunst also had a good reason to celebrate this week: The keeper celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday (July 7th). The Hamburg native began his professional career at Hamburger SV. After playing for VfL Wolfsburg’s reserve team, 1. FC Magdeburg, and a stint abroad with Vejle BK in Denmark, Brunst finally landed at SVD in 2022. We wish you all the best, too!
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
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.
Disappointment & pride
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.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
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.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
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.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
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.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
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.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
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".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
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.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
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.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
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.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
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.