A club with heart, diversity and vision – insights into history, sports and future projects
Clubs are the heart of a community. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In this series, we introduce various clubs that make life in Darmstadt worth living.
TSG 1846
TSG 1846 is one of Darmstadt's most traditional sports clubs—and also one of its most diverse. For almost 180 years, it has offered people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to participate in sports, experience community, and try out new forms of exercise. Today, TSG comprises 15 departments, from football to kyudo, and sees itself as an open club that places equal emphasis on grassroots sport and inclusion. With extensive club grounds on the idyllic Woog River, modern sports facilities, and innovative projects like the Merck Racket Sport Arena, TSG successfully balances tradition with modernity. We spoke with the club's management about the club's unique features, successes, and future.
What has made TSG so special since 1846?
TSG: Above all, the diversity of our sports offerings. With 15 departments, there really is something for everyone – from young to old. We have a large club grounds with sports fields, an indoor arena, and two catering establishments (enWoog and Papaiyads Pizzeria). We also place great emphasis on welcoming and inclusive programs. Since 2024, the Merck Racket Sport Arena has complemented our program with trend sports such as padel, pickleball, beach tennis, and touch tennis. The response has been very positive – we host after-work activities, tournaments, and private celebrations such as birthdays or company events there. The atmosphere is particularly unique in the evenings under the floodlights. And last but not least, TSG is beautifully situated in the green surroundings of the Woog, yet close to the city.
Which sports or activities are the focus?
TSG: The largest departments are soccer, tennis, swimming, and gymnastics – demand for these remains unbroken. These sports attract many members because they offer attractive opportunities both for recreational sports and for competitive athletes. However, we generally support all sports, as we see ourselves as a club of diversity. This also includes special offerings such as Kyudo, Quidditch, and Fistball, which, while more niche sports, represent a valuable addition for our members and underscore TSG's character as a broadly diversified sports club.
Who or what shapes the club community the most?
TSG: Definitely the community itself. It's the collaboration of people who are committed to their department and passionate about it. Whether coaches, volunteers, or active athletes – everyone contributes and creates an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome. This togetherness is the foundation of TSG and shapes our club far more than individual personalities or sporting successes. Another good example is our commitment to shaping the future: recently, many members took a whole day as part of a future workshop to develop ideas and discuss how the club can be led at all levels in the coming years.
What sporting or social successes are outstanding?
TSG: We are particularly proud of our integration and inclusion work. For example, we have taken in Ukrainian refugees and successfully integrated people with disabilities – even winning the Special Olympics ( example in the club magazine ). Another highlight is our free games and sports Sunday in the Felsinghalle, which we also open to non-members in the winter. Such offerings not only strengthen the club but also the local community. In terms of sport, we were able to celebrate several football championships this year, and our fistball team played in the second division once. Overall, however, we see ourselves above all as a solid grassroots sports club where community and participation are more important than pure performance.
What offers are available for new members?
TSG: New members can initially try out all of our departments without obligation. These trial sessions are a great way to get to know the club and find out which sport suits them best. Especially in the summer, we offer trial sessions in tennis, beach tennis, and padel, but participation in many other sports is also possible at any time for orientation. This lowers the barriers to entry and invites all interested parties to easily become part of the TSG family.
Why is the partnership with Merck so valuable?
TSG: The partnership with Merck is important to us primarily because of the financial support. Merck has helped advance new projects and made important contributions in various areas. This allows us as a club to create additional offerings that we wouldn't have been able to realize in this form without this support. This collaboration demonstrates how important strong partners are for a grassroots sports club when it comes to implementing innovative ideas and creating an attractive program for our members and the local community.
Conclusion:
TSG 1846 combines tradition with innovation. It stands not only for a wide range of sporting activities, but also for a vibrant community and openness. Through projects like the Future Workshop and partnerships, the club succeeds in continuously developing itself – while simultaneously offering all generations a place for sport, encounters, and participation.
Liveable Darmstadt
powered by MerckClubs are the heart of a community. They promote social integration and bring people together. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In short: They make a city like Darmstadt a livable place.
But that costs money. Membership fees aren't always enough. In this series, we present selected Darmstadt clubs supported by Merck – be it in sports, culture, the common good, or science education.
Each of these clubs has a unique history and contributes to strengthening the community in its own way. We asked the leaders what defines their club and how the partnership with Merck not only provides financial support but also fosters growth and development.
Learn more about the diverse nature of Darmstadt's club landscape and how Merck and its partners are working together to achieve more – for a region worth living in.
