The 1996–97 season was the 26th in the history of Essex Senior Football League a football competition in England.[1]
The league featured 13 clubs which competed in the league last season, along with two new clubs:
Ford United were champions, winning their second Essex Senior League title and were promoted to the Isthmian League.
| Competition: | Essex Senior Football League |
| Season: | 1996–97 |
| Winners: | Ford United |
| Promoted: | Ford United |
| Matches: | 210 |
| Total Goals: | 707 |
| Prevseason: | 1995–96 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |