 Elphick progressed through the youth ranks at Brighton & Hove Albion, alongside with his brother Gary, and in 2004, he signed his first year apprentice at the club.Then on 25 April 2005 saw Tommy played alongside with his brother in a reserve match against Woking.At some point of early Brighton & Hove Albion career, Elphick was loaned out to non–league side Bognor Regis Town.