A new 'social fitness' campaign combining play and physical activity has been launched and backed by two former Olympians.

Steve Backley and Roger Black will act as virtual coaches as part of the scheme devised by play systems manufacturer Proludic.

The programme will provide users with exercise routines, challenges and group games – accessible online – to be carried out on a range of play equipment.

Black and Backley will also appear as virtual coaches as part of Proludic’s latest concept, the Sport Legacy Zone.

The sessions by the two Olympians can be accessed at a Sports Legacy Zone by scanning QR codes, which smartphones can use to trigger virtual coaching advice and additional information that is ‘pushed’ directly to the handset.

The sessions will be available for all ages and abilities, from entry-level participants, right through to providing expert tips and training programmes for sports coaches and teachers.

The campaign will run during 2011-2012 and will also include seminars, research papers and advice for communities on how to fund new play areas.

Roger Black said, "Our partnership with Proludic aims to engage communities, especially young people, in physical exercise and endorse the concept of coaching as part of the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games."

Michael Hoenigmann, Managing Director of Proludic, said, "Social fitness is about promoting healthier and more active lifestyles by encouraging communities to get the most out the free facilities they have at their disposal. What's more it's about bringing communities together with activities that include all age groups and abilities."