For the fourth time, the Haftpflichtkasse insurance company and SV Darmstadt 98 have jointly awarded four clubs with the Volunteer Award. The award ceremony, including the presentation of the checks, took place last Sunday (May 17th) before the home game against SC Paderborn at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The Volunteer Award, established in 2023 by the Haftpflichtkasse and SV Darmstadt 98, aims to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote outstanding projects.
The award not only recognises exceptional club work and outstanding commitment, but also underscores the high value of volunteer work in Darmstadt and the surrounding region. A winner was selected in each of three different categories by a jury: Karate Dojo Dieburg e.V. won in the „Education & Knowledge Transfer“ category, TG 07 Eberstadt in the „Ecology & Sustainability“ category, and SKG Bensheim-Zell e.V. in the „Generations & Movement“ category. The „Community Cohesion & Participation“ category was decided by a public vote following a jury selection. Around 3,889 people participated in the vote, which was won by SV DJK Victoria Dieburg e.V. All the award-winning clubs will receive prize money of €3,000 each.
„A heartfelt thank you to the award-winning clubs for their important contributions! Our partnership with SV Darmstadt 98 makes such awards possible. Thank you to SV Darmstadt 98 for the excellent cooperation, as always!“ emphasized Dr. Frank Welfens, Chairman of the Board of Haftpflichtkasse VVaG.
Audience vote with 1,627 votes: SV DJK Viktoria Dieburg e.V.
SV DJK Viktoria Dieburg e.V. understands inclusion as an integral part of its club identity. The club creates opportunities and structures so that people with and without disabilities can naturally participate in sports together, experience community, and take part in club life. Inclusion is already actively practiced in table tennis. In addition, the club invests in accessible infrastructure such as a wheelchair ramp, digital assistance solutions, an automatic entrance door, and is currently converting a changing room into an accessible restroom.
Viktoria Dieburg also promotes participation beyond traditional sports, for example, through its eSports department and the „Herzkicker“ project, where children with and without disabilities play soccer together. The club deserves the award because it not only talks about inclusion but puts it into practice: through concrete construction projects, inclusive sports programs, strong volunteerism, and a safeguarding policy for children and young people. The prize money will be used for the conversion of the accessible restroom to enable everyone to enjoy an independent and dignified stay at the clubhouse.
Karate Dojo Dieburg e.V.
The Karate Dojo Dieburg e.V. combines sport, values education, and community in a long-established club concept. The volunteer-run program is aimed at children, teenagers, and adults regardless of age, background, or individual abilities, creating open, non-discriminatory access to physical activity and personal development.
Children’s and youth programs are a particular focus. Regular training sessions not only impart karate-specific skills but also instill social values such as respect, discipline, consideration, and self-confidence. The club thus offers young people guidance, a sense of belonging, and a reliable environment.
Integration and participation are actively practiced in daily training: people from diverse cultural backgrounds train together, support each other, and grow together as a community. This commitment is fostered by instructors and club members who volunteer their time to training, events, examinations, and other activities.
The prize money will be used for training materials for children’s and youth groups, subsidies for socially disadvantaged members, and additional community-building courses and events. Furthermore, the hosting of a Central German Championship in Dieburg is scheduled for 2028, which will require further investment and voluntary commitment.
TG07 Eberstadt e.V.
TG 07 Eberstadt is committed to significantly reducing its carbon footprint and becoming carbon-neutral in the long term. Following the successful digitalisation of its club administration, the club launched a comprehensive sustainability project about two and a half years ago and has since implemented numerous measures.
These include a photovoltaic system with 49 modules, a 15 kWh battery storage system, two semi-public charging stations, the conversion to LED lighting, electronic radiator valves, the purchase of an electric bus, and the planting of a maple tree. In addition, the club is also involved in social and environmental initiatives, such as regular flea markets for children’s clothing, donations to a clothing bank, and a public drinking fountain. Further measures are already planned, including replacing the gas heating system with a heat pump, expanding the photovoltaic system, drilling a well, installing automatic irrigation, charging stations for e-bikes, and a swap meet for children’s sportswear.
The club sees itself as a pioneer in sustainable club development and actively shares its knowledge with other sports clubs. The prize money will be used for a project that visualises gas, water, and electricity consumption in real time. This aims to raise awareness among members and guests about using resources more consciously; in addition, the efficiency of the photovoltaic system will be presented transparently.
Sport- und Kulturgemeinde SKG Bensheim-Zell e.V.
SKG Bensheim-Zell e.V. is a long-established sports and cultural association that strengthens village life across all generations. The association’s goal is to provide opportunities for interaction, exercise, and community for people of all ages – from baby gymnastics for toddlers to full-body workouts for seniors.
In addition to its regular sports program, SKG organises numerous cultural and social events, including children’s carnival, Halloween and St. Nicholas celebrations, an adult carnival, an intergenerational „Ludo“ tournament, the Zell village market, the Zell fair, Christmas tree sales, theater evenings, and monthly coffee gatherings for seniors. The association is also actively involved in children’s and youth programs during the summer holidays.
The association deserves this award because, through its high level of volunteer commitment, it brings together people of all ages, combats loneliness, and facilitates integration within the village. With 771 members in a town of just under 1,000 inhabitants, the SKG is deeply rooted in the community and a central driving force of social life. The prize money will be used to purchase a high-contrast screen for the clubhouse, enabling members to watch films and sporting events together. It will also support the club’s youth programs.
Whether jogging, walking or Nordic walking: everyone is welcome at the Darmstadt running club. Since 1974, the initiative has been getting people moving and offers suitable options for both beginners and advanced runners.
SV 98 have signed Milian Herbst and Manolo Merx to professional contracts. The two young players will therefore be part of the Lilies' professional squad next season.
Between staying in the league, fighting relegation, and the end of the season, the second half of the season was a busy one for SV Darmstadt 98's loaned players. While Paul Will is still battling to avoid relegation with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Leon Klassen (Grazer AK), Meldin Dreskovic (Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC), Fabio Torsiello (Alemannia Aachen), and Othmane El Idrissi (Viktoria Aschaffenburg) have already finished their seasons. We take a look at the past few weeks for the Lilies' loaned players.
Merveille Papela suffered a meniscus injury during Darmstadt 98's away match in Karlsruhe (May 3rd). This was confirmed by examinations over the past few weeks. The 25-year-old has already undergone successful surgery. Papela will therefore be unavailable to SV Darmstadt 98 for the next few months.
The 2025/26 season for SV Darmstadt 98 came to an end with their home match against SC Paderborn. Looking at the final standings, points total, and many memorable moments, it’s a season that still deserves the label „remarkably good.“ From a broader perspective, the overall assessment of the year is overwhelmingly positive. However, the final weeks of the season, which proved quite challenging, are also part of the overall evaluation. We’ll take another look back at those weeks in our season analysis.
SV Darmstadt 98, founded in 1898, will celebrate its 128th anniversary this coming Friday (May 22nd). To mark this milestone, SV 98 invites all Lilies fans to the Schlossgartenplatz in Darmstadt from 5pm to 10pm. Club members will even receive free drinks – while supplies last.
After 34 matchdays, the season came to an end last Sunday. Marcel Schuhen finally got a break, having played every single minute of the entire campaign. But unlike the professionals, the young Lilies can't rest just yet. There's still plenty to do for the reserve team. And there's also a lot going on off the pitch. We'll keep you updated here in "Lilies Across the Board" with all the latest news.
More crucial points. Away at 1. Hanauer FC, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team delivered a convincing five-goal performance in their fight to avoid relegation. With this victory, the young Lilies have amassed twelve points from their last five matches. With two matchdays remaining, direct relegation is no longer a possibility, and the U21s hold a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, Darmstadt need more points to further distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot.
Despite a valiant effort and several chances, SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to SC Paderborn. The Lilies still finish the season in fifth place. However, the main focus of the match for Darmstadt was the farewell to club legend Fabian Holland. What did the coaches and players have to say about this afternoon's game? We've compiled their reactions.
They tried everything, but the goal just wouldn't come: Darmstadt lost 2-0 (1-0) to SC Paderborn. This means SV 98 finishes the 2025/26 season in fifth place with 52 points. Fabian Holland played 69 minutes in his final match for Darmstadt.
The last home game of the 2025/26 season – and a very special one at that. Fabian Holland will lead the team onto the pitch as captain in his 319th and final competitive match. He replaces Raoul Petretta in the SV 98 starting eleven. Furthermore, Florian Kohfeldt has selected Aleksandar Vukotic, who starts in place of the injured Patric Pfeiffer, and Sergio Lopez, who starts in place of Yosuke Furukawa, for the 34th matchday of the second division. Bartosz Bialek is unavailable for selection due to a foot injury.
One last time! One more football match this season, one last time at the Bölle, and one last time with Fabian Holland. On matchday 34, SV Darmstadt 98 will face SC Paderborn on Sunday (May 17th, 3:30pm). Who will referee the match? Where will it be broadcast? And will the sun be shining? You'll find all the answers as usual in "Matchday Guide" – clearly presented with everything you need to know about the matchday.