[3] Ellingsen played for Andenes IL in the third tier, among others together with future First Division player Fredrik Horn,[4] before moving to Narvik to attend upper secondary school there.
He was concussed, suffered from amnesia, swallowed his tongue along with blood that blocked respiration, and almost died on the pitch.
[14] In the 1996–97 UEFA Cup he played both legs against Beitar Jerusalem and one against Trabzonspor, who ultimately knocked Bodø/Glimt out.
[15] Ellingsen received a contract offer, but publicly stated disappointment in the proposed wage being too low.
[17][18] In the fall of 2002, Ellingsen was contacted by Narvik FK about strengthening the team ahead of the two-legged playoff to the Norwegian Second Division.