1996–97 Northern Football League

The 1996–97 Northern Football League season was the 99th in the history of Northern Football League, a football competition in England.

Division One
Division One featured 17 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs, promoted from Division Two:
 * Easington Colliery
 * Morpeth Town
 * South Shields

Division Two
Division Two featured 16 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with four new clubs.
 * Clubs relegated from Division One:
 * Eppleton Colliery Welfare
 * Ferryhill Athletic
 * Peterlee Newtown
 * Plus:
 * Jarrow Roofing BCA, joined from the Wearside Football League