For the third consecutive year, Haftpflichtkasse and SV Darmstadt 98 have honored four clubs with the Volunteering Award. The ceremony, including the presentation of the check, took place last Sunday (May 18) before the home game against SSV Jahn Regensburg at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The joint Volunteering Award was launched in 2023 by Haftpflichtkasse and the Lilies to strengthen and promote volunteer work.
The award not only recognises exceptional club work and special commitment, but also underscores the high value placed on volunteer work in Darmstadt and the region. A jury selected a winner in each of three different categories: KSC Bensheim e.V. won in the „Education & Knowledge Transfer“ category, SV 1910 Weiterstadt e.V. won in the „Ecology & Sustainability“ category, and Tennisclub Blau-Weiß Heppenheim e.V. won in the „Fair Play“ category. The „Solidarity & Participation“ category was decided by a public vote following a jury selection. Around 4,800 participants took part in the vote, with SC OPEL 06 Rüsselsheim emerging victorious. All award-winning clubs will receive prize money of €3,000 each.
Audience decision with 3,081 votes: SC OPEL 06 Rüsselsheim
With SCO BEWEGT, SC Opel 06 Rüsselsheim is complementing its traditional youth football program with inclusive and intercultural offerings. The focus is on children and young people with disabilities and/or a migration background. Through inclusive sports days, street football events, and cultural festivals, the club promotes participation, encounters, and diversity – together with a strong network in the city.
Three former youth players initiated the project to breathe new life into the youth work of the traditional club. With a young, diverse team, the club’s structure is being deliberately broken up and modernised. The club is creating new approaches to sports, focusing on social integration, and inspiring increasingly committed young adults to support children and young people.
KSC Bensheim e.V.
The „KODUS – Competence through Sport“ project promotes the motor, social, and mental development of children aged 4 to 6 through daily exercise sessions led by a sports educator. It is based on the scientifically sound KIMO test, a motor skills screening program developed by the German Sport University Cologne that identifies potential developmental deficits early on. Through play, the program not only fosters a sense of joy in movement, but also strengthens self-confidence, self-efficacy, teamwork, and social skills. The project has great potential for replication; it is currently being successfully implemented in a kindergarten and is intended to be expanded to other facilities in the long term. With 25 years of experience in holistic youth work, the organisation demonstrates a deep commitment to the healthy, self-confident, and socially integrated development of children.
SV 1910 Weiterstadt e.V.
SV Weiterstadt has installed a permanently installed water dispenser with three types of water at the main building of the sports facility to make the supply to players more sustainable and efficient. Previously, the use of plastic bottles resulted in high annual costs, logistical effort, and a lot of volunteer work for purchasing, transporting, returning empty bottles, and billing. Through structural measures including an access hatch, water supply, power supply, and ventilation, the dispenser was installed in a way that makes it accessible to all athletes and guests. The project reduces plastic waste, saves club funds, and frees up volunteers, allowing them to focus more on children and youth work. The successful implementation was only possible thanks to the commitment of volunteers who took on the planning, construction, and communication with the city.
Tennisclub Blau-Weiß Heppenheim e. V.
The Heppenheim Elementary School Cup is a sports project for children in grades 1 to 3 that promotes a love of exercise and tennis. Students complete various stations and games together as a class, strengthening team spirit, fairness, and solidarity. Around 300 children from 15 grades participate and are accompanied by ten dedicated volunteers. The competition creates a positive atmosphere focused on athletic performance, respectful interaction, and shared experiences. The initiative demonstrates how sports can teach values such as fairness and community even at primary school age.
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
