IK Start is a professional Norwegian football club from the city of Kristiansand, currently competing in the 1. divisjon, the second tier of Norwegian football. Founded over a century ago, Start is one of the country's most well-known clubs, with a history that includes two Norwegian Cup triumphs and several periods in the top-flight Eliteserien. The team plays its home matches at the Sparebanken Sør Arena, clad in their iconic all-white kits. Start's golden era came in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they won their major honors and competed in European competitions. The club is renowned for its attacking philosophy and has produced notable Norwegian internationals. In recent years, Start has been a classic "yo-yo" club, frequently battling for promotion to or fighting relegation from the Eliteserien. The club enjoys passionate support from the Sorlandet region, with fans known for creating a vibrant atmosphere. IK Start remains a central institution in Kristiansand, forever aiming to reclaim a stable place among Norway's elite.