1996–97 Eastern Counties Football League

The 1996–97 season was the 55th in the history of Eastern Counties Football League a football competition in England.

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.

Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 20 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs:
 * Bury Town, relegated from the Southern Football League
 * Gorleston, promoted from Division One
 * Warboys Town, promoted from Division One

Also, Felixstowe Town changed name to Felixstowe Port & Town.

Division One
Division One featured 13 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with five new clubs:
 * Cambridge City reserves
 * Cornard United, relegated from the Premier Division
 * Haverhill Rovers, relegated from the Premier Division
 * Maldon Town, transferred from the Essex Senior League
 * Needham Market, joined from the Suffolk & Ipswich League