The 1996–97 season was the 55th in the history of Eastern Counties Football League a football competition in England.[1]
Wroxham were champions, winning their fourth Eastern Counties Football League title, while Wisbech Town were promoted to the Southern Football League, returning to the Southern League after seventeen seasons in the Eastern Counties Football League.
| Competition: | Eastern Counties Football League Premier Division |
| Season: | 1996–97 |
| Winners: | Wroxham |
| Promoted: | Wisbech Town |
| Relegated: | Hadleigh United March Town United |
| Matches: | 506 |
| Total Goals: | 1751 |
| Prevseason: | 1995–96 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |
The Premier Division featured 20 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs:
Also, Felixstowe Town changed name to Felixstowe Port & Town.
| Competition: | Eastern Counties Football League Division One |
| Season: | 1996–97 |
| Winners: | Ely City |
| Promoted: | Ely City Histon |
| Matches: | 306 |
| Total Goals: | 983 |
| Prevseason: | 1995–96 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |
Division One featured 13 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with five new clubs: