Saturday (March 8) marks the ninth anniversary of the death of Jonathan "Johnny" Heimes. But his legacy and courage live on. We also report on the successful eFootballers of SV Darmstadt 98 and the international flair in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You can read about these and other topics in our weekly column "Lilies Across the Board".
„You have to fight!“ A sentence coined by Jonathan „Johnny“ Heimes, which will continue to give the Lilies strength and courage today and in the future. Heimes was diagnosed with cancer for the first time at the age of 14, and the Darmstadt native died on March 8, 2016 at the age of 26 after years of battling the disease. But despite his illness, Johnny always kept his courage and gave hope and courage to many other sufferers with his motto. His initiative DUMUSSTKÄMPFEN! lives on this day and supports children with cancer and their families. His motto is also firmly anchored at SV 98. His bracelets still dangle around numerous wrists around the Bäöllenfalltor. We admire you for your fighting spirit and remain in silent remembrance of you and your achievements. We miss you, Johnny!
Last Wednesday (26.02) there was a double match day for the eFootballers of SV Darmstadt 98. In the first match, the eLilien met SpVgg Greuther Fürth. At first Kaan and Nassim lost the doubles quite clearly. In the following singles, however, Nassim and Doki managed to turn things around again and won their games 6:3 and 5:3. Things got clearer for the eLilien in the next duel with SSV Ulm. This time Nassim and Kaan were able to shine in a two-on-two match – and how. The Darmstadt team won 11:1 against the Spatzen. Finally, Nassim put the finishing touches to the game with a 9:1 win, thus securing their second overall victory of the day. Now the South Hesse team will face Karlsruher SC on the 16th match day of the Virtual Bundesliga this Thursday (06.03/6pm). For the eLilien, it is all about getting the best possible position for the playoffs in Düsseldorf.
International flair in the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor! The home ground of SV Darmstadt 98 will be the venue for an international match of the German U21 national team in March. The DFB juniors will play against Spain on Tuesday (25.03/8.30pm). The duel will serve as a tough test with a view to the U21 European Championship, which will be held in Slovakia in the summer. This is how you can be there at the international match at Bölle: Standing places are available from 9 euros (reduced 7 euros), seats cost 15 or 20 euros (reduced 10 or 15 euros). Group tickets for ten or more people in the standing area are available for just 6 euros per person. Tickets can only be purchased via the Ticketportal or the DFB Tickethotline (069 90 28 38 38).
The U19s of SV Darmstadt 98 suffered defeat for the first time in the main round of the DFB youth league. The young Lilies lost narrowly 1-0 at home against SSV Reutlingen 1905 last Saturday (March 1st). This means that SV 98 has dropped to fourth place in its group. The A-youths now have a busy week ahead of them: on Wednesday (March 5th/7pm) the boys will travel to SpVgg Neu-Isenburg, before facing current league leaders SC Freiburg on Saturday afternoon (March 8th/2pm). For the U17s, however, last week was rather quiet, as the test match against SpVgg Greuther Fürth was cancelled. For the young Lilies, things are back in full swing on Wednesday (March 5th/7.30pm). They are aiming to secure a place in the round of 16 in the Hessen Cup away at VfB Ginsheim.
The last test has been completed. The „second second team“ had to admit defeat to TGB Darmstadt in the dress rehearsal before the start of the second half of the season with a score of 3-2. In the first 45 minutes, the SV 98 fan team managed to go into halftime with a 1-1 draw against the B-league team. However, the Lilies then had to accept two more goals before they themselves scored the 3-2 goal in the 86th minute. Things will get really serious again on Sunday (09.03). At 3pm, SV Darmstadt III will play away at TuS Griesheim and will be looking to score their first three points after the winter break. The Lilies fan team won the first leg 5:2. Things should go just as well this weekend.
You can find an overview of all upcoming games of the Lilien fan team here:
| Date | Kick Off | Match | Opposition | Result |
| Sunday, 02.02.2025 | 12.30pm | SG Arheilgen II – SV 98 | Friendly | 1:2 |
| Sunday, 09.02.2025 | 12pm | SV 98 – SC 1910 Käfertal 2 | Friendly | 5:8 |
| Sunday, 16.02.2025 | 4pm | SV 98 – TSV Bullau | Friendly | 13:4 |
| Saturday, 22.02.2025 | 3pm | SV 98 – SV St. Stephan Griesheim | Friendly | 4:4 |
| Saturday, 01.03.2025 | 1pm | TGB Darmstadt – SV 98 | Friendly | 3:2 |
| Sunday, 09.03.2025 | 3pm | TUS Griesheim – SV 98 | Kreisliga C | |
| Sunday, 16.03.2025 | 1pm | FC Ober-Ramstadt II – SV 98 | Kreisliga C | |
| Sunday, 23.03.2025 | 3pm | SV 98 – SV Weiterstadt II | Kreisliga C |
SV Darmstadt 98 informed all season ticket holders about the season ticket procedure for the 2026/27 season on Wednesday (May 6th) and would also like to share this letter on the club's own website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.