20.10.2026 / English
Youth Academy Training: When training should be more than just strenuous
Plenty of movement, a high tempo, and as few interruptions as possible—but does a strenuous training session automatically equate to an effective one? Nearly 90 coaches explored these questions during the fifth professional development seminar hosted by the youth academy of the Lilien (SV Darmstadt 98). Under the theme "Effective Training – Optimizing Intensity," the club’s youth academy invited coaches from the surrounding area to attend the session—free of charge—at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Participants gained practical insights into the targeted management of training loads and had the opportunity to exchange ideas with coaches from other clubs.
Load, recover, repeat: these three elements formed the central theme of the event. The primary focus was on how coaches can deliberately structure the intensity of their sessions to best support the development of their players. By examining key training parameters—volume, intensity, and density—the session illustrated how to effectively apply training stimuli while accounting for necessary recovery phases. Furthermore, the youth academy (NLZ) of the 98ers (SV Darmstadt 98) introduced practical tools designed to help coaches better assess the physical and mental strain placed on their players.
The discussion also highlighted that it is not just the training load itself, but also the way breaks are structured that plays a crucial role. Whether through short respites or active recovery—such as technical drills involving the ball—breaks can be utilised in various ways depending on the specific training objective. The importance of regular repetition and well-considered training planning was also addressed.
Strengthening youth football together
In addition to the professional insights provided, the training session offered an opportunity for mutual exchange. Through its regular training initiatives, the Lilien youth development center (NLZ) aims not only to impart knowledge but also to further strengthen collaboration with clubs in the region.
For us as a professional club, it remains important not only to drive our own development forward but also to take responsibility for football in the region. We want to strengthen our exchange with other clubs, learn from one another, and work together to achieve sustainable improvements in youth development.
Passing on knowledge, fostering the next generation
Moving forward, the SV Darmstadt 98 youth academy (NLZ) intends to regularly offer professional development opportunities for coaches in the region, thereby contributing to the sustainable advancement of youth football.
Lilien name Holland honorary captain
Fabian Holland was honoured for his contributions to the Lilien during the general meeting on October 20. The members approved a proposal from the executive board, naming the long-time captain an honorary team captain amid a round of enthusiastic applause.
Live updates for the 2026 general meeting
On Tuesday evening (Oct 20th), the annual general meeting of SV 98 will take place at the Böllenfalltorhalle in Darmstadt. We will guide you through the evening here, providing continuous updates via this live ticker for the 2026 general meeting.
2026 General Meeting: “Forging new paths that suit the ‘Lilies’”
SV Darmstadt 98 held its ordinary general meeting on Tuesday, October 20. Approximately 396 club members attended the meeting at the sports hall at Böllenfalltor. Anne Baumann, the board member responsible for finance, reported a profit after tax of €0.05 million for the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with total revenue reaching €48.08 million. As of the end of the reporting period, the club’s equity stood at €26.16 million.
General sale for Bochum
On Friday (Nov 27th), the Lilien will face VfL Bochum at 6:30pm. Advance ticket sales for members are already underway. Tickets are now available online and at the ticket shop at the stadium.
SVD vs. FC St. Pauli: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Once again this season, our premium partner ENTEGA is helping to create unique stadium experiences. For every home match, you have the chance to win two VIP fan seats in the main grandstand, which also include access to the ENTEGA VIP lounge. The application deadline for the match against St. Pauli is Thursday (October 22) at 12pm.
U21 suffers late defeat in Hanau
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV 98’s reserve side suffered a 1-0 (0–0) defeat away to SC 1960 Hanau. Despite creating good scoring opportunities of their own, it long appeared that the match would end in a goalless draw, until the hosts netted the decisive goal in stoppage time. Furthermore, the Young Lilies finished the match with fewer players on the pitch following two second-yellow (red) cards.
„A thoroughly deserved defeat“
We have gathered reactions following the heavy away defeat against KSC.
Heavy defeat against KSC
SV Darmstadt 98 suffered a clear 4-0 (2-0) defeat in Karlsruhe. As a result, the Lilies are still waiting for their first away point of the season.
Team News: Two Changes to the Team
The 8th matchday takes the Lilies to Karlsruhe. Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting eleven compared to the home win against Cottbus: Lance Duijvestijn and Hiroki Akiyama come in for Noah Weißhaupt and Nicolas Verkooijen. Weißhaupt (on the bench) and Verkooijen (absent from the squad) both missed parts of the week's training due to illness. Additionally, Yosuke Furukawa is sidelined with calf problems.
Matchday Guide: All Information for the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday afternoon (Oct 18th, 1:30pm), SV 98 will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the season. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kickoff? Who will be officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we’ve put together all the essential information for the game against KSC in our "Matchday Guide" feature.
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?