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.
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.