01.12.2025 / English
„We cannot turn a blind eye to the issue of homelessness.“
Approximately 50 people present at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor experienced an unusual Saturday night: they spent the night on the stands and the players' benches. The underlying goal: to raise awareness of the social issue of homelessness and to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by people without a home. The evening included presentations, discussions, and, of course, donations of goods and money for organisations that support people living on the streets. SV 98 has now held this event for the third time to support the homeless.
In the evening, various organisations gave presentations raising awareness about homelessness and highlighting the challenges of daily work. A double-digit number of sleeping bags and sleeping mats were donated to „Aus der Not Darmstadt e.V.“ (Darmstadt Emergency Association), and the proceeds of around 900 euros will go to the „Pfotenhilfe für Obdachlose“ (Paw Aid for the Homeless) association. The event demonstrated how shared experiences, information, and engagement can raise awareness of social issues while simultaneously doing good. Vice President Volker Harr emphasied the importance of this issue for SV 98: „As the city’s largest club, we also have a socio-political responsibility and care about everyone. Homelessness is part of that, and I, too, have learned a great deal since the last two events. We simply cannot turn a blind eye to this issue.“
"Paw Aid Darmstadt e.V."
The work of the animal welfare organisation Pfotenhilfe encompasses the full range of basic medical care for its animal patients, from treating acute ailments and providing ongoing therapy for chronic diseases to performing surgical procedures. To enable mobile veterinary care, the organisation acquired a former ambulance and converted it to meet the needs of a veterinary practice. The team regularly uses this vehicle to visit social institutions and facilities to conduct pre-arranged veterinary appointments on-site. It’s not just the animal patients who benefit from these appointments: „Some of our clients come to every single consultation, even if their dog is perfectly fine – simply because they feel comfortable with us,“ says Pfeffer, who treats every client and every patient the same – regardless of whether they come to her veterinary practice and pay for the service or are destitute and use the mobile care service. „Many homeless people no longer expect society to even see them or treat them like normal people. We treat everyone without prejudice and without pressure, and that means a great deal to many of our clients,“ says the veterinarian.
"Diakonie Darmstadt"
The Diakonie is the social service arm of the Protestant Church. In ancient Greek, diakonia means „service to one’s neighbor.“ The Regional Diakonie Darmstadt-Dieburg understands its mission as living out neighbourly love. We advocate for socially and financially disadvantaged people who depend on assistance. Furthermore, we see ourselves as advocates for the vulnerable and marginalised. Together with other leading associations of independent welfare organisations, we address the root causes of social hardship with policymakers and society. Being close to people who need help and support is a central concern for us. To achieve this, more than one million people are involved in Diakonie institutions, committees, member associations, and various church congregations.
We help when…
- the apartment is missing
- there is a risk of losing your home
"Aus der Not Darmstadt e.V."
Every day we see people who fall through the cracks of our society: the homeless, the needy, children from disadvantaged families, or elderly people struggling with poverty. They often lack the most basic necessities: a hot meal, a safe place to sleep, medical care, or simply someone to listen. This is precisely where we come in. As the non-profit organisation „Aus der Not – Darmstadt e.V.“ (Out of Need – Darmstadt), we have made it our mission to provide unbureaucratic support to people in difficult circumstances. Our delivery routes not only bring food, drinks, hygiene products, and clothing to where they are needed – they also bring compassion and humanity.
But our help goes far beyond the immediate crisis. We accompany people on their journey toward a better life:
- We help with official procedures and debt counselling.
- We provide support with finding accommodation and setting up a postal address.
- We help with obtaining important documents and applications.
- We accompany you to doctors and arrange psychological support.
- We also provide food for the animals of those affected – because these are often their only support and their family.
Facts & Stats: The top facts about the Dresden game
Darmstadt 98 aim to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games in Friday evening's match against Dynamo Dresden. While Darmstadt's potent attack has resulted in a respectable goal tally, they are wary at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. The Saxons have been on an upward trend since the winter break and will have a vociferous home crowd behind them. We've compiled all the facts and figures surrounding this clash in this report. Here you'll find the key facts for tomorrow's match.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
Darmstadt and Dresden are 598 kilometres apart. On Friday evening (February 27th, 6:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will travel to the Saxon capital for the 24th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga. The next away game will take place under the floodlights at the historic Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. You can find all relevant fan information here.
„Pure football romance“
Before SV Darmstadt 98 plays under floodlights in Dresden on Friday evening (27.02/18.30), Florian Kohfeldt spoke at the press conference about the strengths of Dynamo Dresden and the special atmosphere in the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion.
“Now I’m happy in Darmstadt!” | Lilies launch their 5th tree planting campaign
Raoul Petretta joined SV Darmstadt 98 in the winter and already feels very much at home. He talks about his arrival and his goals. Besides their sporting focus, the Lilies are also committed to sustainability: On March 15, 2026, over 3,500 trees will be planted as part of the fifth "In the Sign of the Lily" tree-planting campaign. In our "Lilies Across the Board" section, we provide you with the most important news from SV Darmstadt 98 every week.
Opposition Check: SG Dynamo Dresden
Numerous Dynamo Dresden fans flock to the stadium on home match days. But one day, they came for a single reason: What should their stadium be called in the future? Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in front of the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, ready to cast their votes. In cooperation with regional partners, Dynamo Dresden's management took the unusual step of letting the club's supporters decide for themselves.
5th Tree Planting Campaign: Register now!
WirLilien – Together for nature conservation! Together with our partner Krombacher, we will once again plant more than 3,500 trees on Sunday (March 15th) – under the banner of the Lily. You can still register for the event at short notice.
U21: With renewed energy into the rest of the season
On Friday (February 27th, 7:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team begins the second phase of their Hessenliga season. With 23 points after 20 matchdays, the Lilies are currently in 14th place. Following intensive weeks of winter training, the team aims to start the upcoming challenges with renewed energy and secure crucial points.
Analysis of the home victory: The resistance fighters from Bölle
A fast-paced, thrilling exchange between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf reached its ecstatic climax in the 88th minute. Thanks to Matej Maglica's header, Darmstadt secured a 2-1 victory in a wild battle that resembled a 12-round boxing match, with both sides neglecting their defences and constantly searching for the next hook or punch. A day later, sv98.de looks back on what was probably the most exciting home game of the season so far for the South Hessian side.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor GOAL bonus
For every home goal scored by the Lilies, SV Darmstadt 98 fans will be doubly rewarded in the 2025/26 season. In addition to the joy and excitement, the Lilies' supporters will also receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
„We held onto the belief in victory until the very end.“
In an intense 90 minutes between SV Darmstadt 98 and Fortuna Düsseldorf, the Lilies fought back to secure three points shortly before the final whistle. The early lead taken by the team from southern Hesse was quickly erased by the Rhinelanders. The match became increasingly wild and physical. The second half remained evenly contested, but in the end, SV 98 once again demonstrated their fighting spirit: Matej Maglica's late header sealed the three points. What do the players and the two head coaches have to say about this thrilling encounter? We've compiled all the post-match reactions.
Home win! Impressive winning streak continues at Bölle
SV Darmstadt 98 remain a force to be reckoned with at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! The Lilies defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 (1-1) on matchday 23. It's their sixth consecutive home win, bringing their total to 45 points. Hornby opened the scoring for the home side after just seven minutes, before Maglica (88th minute) netted the decisive goal in the second half.
Team News: Hornby and Lidberg Start
Darmstadt host Fortuna Düsseldorf! Florian Kohfeldt has made four changes to his starting lineup. Fraser Hornby (returning from illness) and Isac Lidberg (recovering from a thigh injury) return to the starting eleven, replacing Luca Marseiler and Merveille Papela. Niklas Schmidt starts in place of Hiroki Akiyama, and Fabian Holland replaces Fabian Nürnberger, who is unavailable due to a minor thigh injury.